Ranchlands apprentices are based at one of our four western U.S. ranches. The position is hands-on experience in all aspects of land and cattle management. The apprentice program is an essential component of Ranchlands’ management and educational model, focused on developing future leaders in land and cattle management. Apprentices work as part of a diverse team and are trained in both operational and leadership skills, exposing them to all roles within large-scale, multi-dimensional working landscapes. Key responsibilities include developing operational expertise as a cattle and land manager. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Participate in key ranch operations, such as branding, weaning, and pregnancy testing.
• Be part of daily decision making processes, accept and provide constructive criticism, communicate clearly, and embrace challenges with patience and professionalism. 
• Build, repair, and maintain barbed wire and electric fences. This includes installing new fencing, inspecting fences for damage, replacing broken wires or posts, and ensuring electric fences function correctly to securely contain livestock.
• Assist with upkeep on vehicles and equipment. Routine tasks may involve checking fluid levels, performing basic repairs, cleaning machinery, changing oil, and helping with scheduling professional maintenance for trucks, ATVs, and equipment.
• Maintain water systems (drinkers, storage, pipelines, pumps). Duties include inspecting and fixing leaks, cleaning water troughs and tanks, ensuring consistent water flow, checking pump performance, and making sure livestock has access to clean water.
• Assist with moving and monitoring cattle herds by horseback or dirt bike. Herding cattle from one pasture to another, observing animal health and numbers, identifying injuries or illnesses, and keeping accurate records of herd movements.
• Assist with sorting and shipping livestock. Identifying and separating animals for sale or transport.
• Learn to monitor and care for cattle and horses. Daily observation of animals’ physical condition, providing medical treatments when needed, feeding and watering, assisting with calving, and maintaining records for breeding and veterinary care.
• Other duties as assigned. 

CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS

• Maintain a positive attitude at all times; be willing to learn and grow in the position. 
• Make logical decisions in demanding situations.
• Identify safety risks and make the effort to avoid them wherever possible. 
• Fully support all colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations and be a dependable member of a hardworking and productive team. 
• Be proactive, self-starting, able to work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Use good sense, practical knowledge, and the ability to make good judgements to problem-solve in the field. 
• Can-do attitude and excellent, thoughtful problem solver.
• Ability to recognize when tasks need to be done and take initiative to complete them.

QUALIFICATION SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must be at least 18 years of age
• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• Minimum of a 6 month commitment
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work long hours including weekends and holidays
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may vary on a weekly basis depending on the needs of the business
• Good communication skills to effectively work with other ranch staff and report issues
• A valid driver's license is required for operating ranch vehicles and equipment
• Willingness and ability to live on one of the Ranchlands properties in a shared housing arrangement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

• Work is primarily performed outside in varying and extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. Work may be performed inside of buildings or barns in unregulated temperatures.
• Physical effort may be required to perform heavy manual labor in conjunction with other ranch staff. 
• Ability to climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time.
• May be exposed to dust, odors and noise associated with livestock and machinery.
• Ability to mitigate risks or physical hazards from machinery or livestock. 
• Capable of lifting objects and equipment ranging in weight up to 50 pounds.

Application deadline: January 21, 2026