Livestock Assistant – Heifer USA

Heifer International • Perryville, AR

4d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Heifer U.S.A is seeking a reliable and hardworking Livestock Assistant to support daily ranch operations. This role involves caring for animals, maintaining facilities, and assisting with general ranch operations. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, is physically capable, and has a strong interest in regenerative agriculture.

The Livestock Assistant supports multiple livestock enterprises at Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, and serves an integral part of the Heifer U.S.A team (HUSA). They will work collaboratively with HUSA team members to complete daily tasks efficiently, communicate clearly, and support overall farm operations and livestock care.

This position typically follows an 8am-5pm shift, equating to 40 hours. This role will require working on weekends, some holidays, and must have flexibility to work early morning and late shifts a few times per month based on livestock needs (Morning shift: 7am-4pm, Late Shift: 1pm-10pm). The ideal candidate for this role has a passion for agriculture; with education or experience in animal science, environmental studies, ranching, sustainable agriculture, or food systems. Reliable transportation to the Heifer Ranch.

Heifer U.S.A provides training in safety procedures critical to the well-being of farm animals and staff. This role offers the opportunity to build a comprehensive knowledge of farming operations and best management practices, including the safe operation of machinery such as tractors and other farm equipment and tools. The Livestock Assistant will develop skills in holistic animal management including, applying best practices in livestock nutrition and feeding; manage and monitor forage systems through adaptive grazing strategies; evaluate weather conditions to guide operational decisions; and proactively identify and mitigate threats to animal welfare, forage productivity, and soil health within a regenerative agriculture framework. Ongoing learning is encouraged, and the Livestock Assistant will have opportunities to stay current with emerging technologies and practices through workshops, conferences and trainings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with 2-3 years of work experience.
• Willing to work weekends, holidays, and early morning shifts as needed.
• Must be physically able to lift 50 lbs. for extended periods of time.
• Willing to work in varying weather conditions throughout the seasons.
• Ability to work outside and facilitate manual labor.
• Able to provide your own transportation to and from work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Reside within close proximity to Heifer Ranch or willingness to stay on the Ranch when duties require it.
• Interest in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and/or livestock.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, environmental studies, agriculture, or related fields.
• Previous experience with livestock or agricultural/farm work preferred.
• Knowledge of farming, agriculture, or related fields.
• Spanish language skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned labor such as livestock chores (feeding, watering, moving livestock, welfare checks, setting up fencing for paddock rotations), chicken and turkey catching, tractor work, and general farm maintenance.
• Provide hands-on support in the care and management of a multi-species livestock operation, including cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys.
• Assist with monitoring animal health and promptly report any concerns, injuries, or abnormal behavior.
• Adhere to animal welfare and third-party verification standards. This includes low stress animal handling, allowing animals to exhibit their natural behaviors, rotational grazing, spacing requirements, comfortable in all weather conditions, etc.
• Support pasture-based systems through fence setup, water system management, and rotational grazing execution.
• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a safe working environment for both people and animals.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workspaces, equipment, and livestock areas.
• Follow all safety protocols and contribute to a safe working environment for both people and animals.
• Participate in workshops and training opportunities to build skills and knowledge in ranch operations.
• Must show up on time and complete tasks with minimal supervision following training period.
• Safely operate tools and equipment on Heifer Ranch.
• Commit to reliability for scheduled shifts, arriving prepared & on time.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall ranch operations.

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after six months of employment to bond with newborn, adopted and foster children
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
• And more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees