Ranch Caretaker

Ranch Caretaker

Sonoma County, CA

$30.00-$38.00/hour, DOE

The Caretaker performs a full range of duties on a large private ranch property in Sonoma County. Responsible for ranch security; overall maintenance of roads, barn, grounds, and house; and operation and maintenance of ranch equipment (chainsaws, mowers, log splitter, tractor, etc.). Reports directly to the Property Owner. This is a full-time non-exempt (hourly) position with some Saturday and Sunday work. Benefits include PTO and housing (a two-bedroom caretaker house on the property (rent-free). Couples are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties:

Ranch duties include, among others:

Regular checks of property and structures

Maintenance of roads and culverts

Maintenance and repair of water pipelines, irrigation, house, outbuildings, grounds

Maintenance of fences and gates

Product application and weed control of ponds

Maintenance and operation of ranch equipment

Cutting, splitting, and stacking of firewood

Removal of fallen or dying trees and debris

Vegetation management – County Firesafe Practices

Weed, thistle, blackberry, and poison oak management

Garden, orchard, and pasture care

Record keeping; petty cash account, equipment maintenance

Education and Experience:

High school graduation is required.

A minimum of ten (10) years of experience working on a farm or ranch, or related experience.

Experience in operating and maintaining ranch equipment such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, etc. required.

Occupational skills certifications or completion of courses in supervision, forestry, grounds maintenance, or horticulture a plus.

Construction project experience or tree trimmer/climber experience a plus.

Licenses:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a good driving record.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class B California Driver’s License (with airbrakes).

Possession of a California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) a plus.

Skills:

Skill in communicating effectively in English both orally and in writing. Must be able to read English language sufficiently to understand written instructions and directions, including label directions and operating / maintenance manuals.

Skill in communicating effectively in Spanish a plus

Basic math skills

Skills in the proper operation and maintenance of ranch and agricultural equipment, tractors, tools, etc.

Skills to oversee contractors

Skills to perform minor electrical, plumbing, and carpentry tasks

Physical Effort:

Requires the ability to work out-of-doors year-round, lift and transport ranch supplies and equipment, walk for prolonged periods of time often on uneven terrain.

Requires a full range of physical motion to operate manual and powered ranch machinery, tools, and equipment.

Requires the ability to access areas that may only be accessible by climbing ladders.

Work Environment:

Work a flexible schedule to meet ranch needs. Full-time with some Saturday and Sunday work.

Generally, work alone with minimal supervision. Self-direct and prioritize day-to-day tasks. May work with contractors or ranch hand.

All smoking and tobacco use are prohibited on ranch property.