Ranch Caretaker

Sonoma County, CA

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Year round work

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $38