Cow-Calf Herdsman

Summit•Hubbard, IA

About The Position

The Cow-Calf Herdsman supports the daily care, health, and management of a purebred cow-calf herd of Black Angus, Simmental, and Charolais cattle. The hands-on role covers activities from breeding and calving through weaning and helps keep animals healthy, facilities in good condition, and operations running smoothly. Work takes place indoors and outdoors depending on cattle location, with exposure to all weather conditions. Noise may be loud, and fumes and dust may be more noticeable during certain seasons. Additional hours may be required during calving season, other seasonal needs, or staffing shortages.

Requirements

Prior experience working with livestock is preferred.
Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment.
Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle objects, tools, and controls, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
Must be able to repeatedly perform movements such as bending, lifting, and hand motions to complete tasks.
Frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds, and up to 75 pounds as needed.
Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to climb ladders and over gates, and climb in and out of livestock trailers as low as 48 inches in height.

Nice To Haves

Class A CDL preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Feed and care for the herd daily, checking animals for health, body condition, and behavior.
Assist with calving season, including difficult births and care of newborn calves.
Give vaccinations, treatments, and medications under herd health protocols.
Maintain accurate herd records, including births, weights, treatments, AI and natural breeding dates, registrations, and inventory.
Gain exposure to the accounting and marketing functions of the cow-calf operation.
Process calves through tagging, castration, dehorning, vaccination, and weaning.
Sort, move, and load cattle using low-stress handling methods.
Manage pastures and rotational grazing, and maintain fences and water sources.
Operate and maintain tractors, skid steers, feed wagons, UTVs, trailers, and other equipment.
Repair and maintain barns, pens, and other facilities.
Communicate herd concerns quickly to management.
Perform other duties as assigned.