Ranch Caretaker – Horses, Livestock & Equipment (On-Site Housing Provided)
Full TimeJob Description
Ranch Labor & Livestock Caretaker (Live-On-Site)
*Galisteo, New Mexico*
Job Overview
Talus Wind Ranch is seeking a dependable, self-motivated individual or couple to join our ranch as a full-time *Ranch Labor & Livestock Caretaker*.
This is a hands-on position for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in maintaining a beautiful property, and genuinely cares about the well-being of horses and livestock. This is not a large commercial operation. It is a privately owned working ranch where quality, organization, consistency, and thoughtful stewardship matter.
The owner resides on the ranch but occasionally travels. The successful candidate must be trustworthy, able to work independently, exercise good judgment, and communicate clearly while managing daily responsibilities with minimal supervision.
If you appreciate rural Santa Fe County living, enjoy working outdoors, and take satisfaction in caring for livestock guardian dogs, sheep, hogs, poultry and maintaining a well-run ranch, this may be an excellent long-term opportunity.
The Right Person for Talus Wind Ranch
This position is best suited for someone who takes genuine pride in caring for a ranch as if it were their own, and their daily life interests are met. We value integrity, common sense, dependability, and a positive attitude, as much as experience.
The ideal candidate:
* Has a proven track record of reliable employment and excellent references
* Demonstrates practical common sense and sound judgment
* Works independently with minimal supervision
* Takes initiative and enjoys solving everyday maintenance problems
* Pays close attention to detail
* Is organized, dependable, and courteous
* Treats all livestock and horses with patience, kindness, and knowledgable guidance
* Is physically capable of unloading monthly delivery of 150 three or two string bales of alfalfa/hay, along with 50 pound bags grain, outdoor work in all seasons
* Is seeking a stable, long-term opportunity
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with many of the following is preferred:
* General ranch labor and livestock care
* Carpentry and basic building repairs
* Property and facility maintenance
* Safe operation of power tools, including electric saws, drills, grinders, and other shop equipment
* Tractor, ATV/UTV, trailer, and ranch equipment operation
* Basic vehicle maintenance, including oil and filter changes, fluid checks, batteries, belts, and tires
* Basic electrical troubleshooting, including safely identifying and resetting circuit breakers and replacing switches, outlets, fuses, and light fixtures
* Fence construction and repair
* Water systems, pumps, stock tanks, and irrigation maintenance
* Ability to recognize maintenance issues before they become costly repairs
* Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
Livestock & Equine Experience
Preferred candidates will have practical experience with horses and livestock, including:
* Safe handling of horses, sheep, pigs, poultry, and livestock guardian dogs
* Haltering, leading, grooming, and basic daily horse care
* Loading and unloading horses into trailers
* Working with veterinarians and farriers during examinations and treatments
* Recognizing signs of illness, injury, or lameness and promptly reporting concerns
* Administering routine medications and treatments as directed
* Maintaining clean, safe stalls, pens, and feeding areas
* Calm, patient animal handling with an emphasis on safety and low-stress livestock management
Primary Responsibilities
* Daily feeding, watering, and monitoring of livestock
* Daily inspection of fences, gates, water systems, and ranch infrastructure
* Routine maintenance of buildings, equipment, vehicles, and ranch facilities
* Property upkeep, driveway grading, weed control, and general appearance
* Completion of weekly maintenance and improvement projects
* Coordinating with occasional contractors and part-time workers
* Prompt communication regarding maintenance needs and animal health concerns
* Maintaining an organized, clean, and safe work environment
Schedule
Work is centered around morning and evening livestock care.
Hours vary with the season and ranch needs and will be mutually agreed upon. Once daily responsibilities are completed, schedules are often flexible.
Weekend duties are generally limited to feeding, watering, and essential livestock care.
Compensation & Housing
* Starting compensation: Approximately *$2,500 per month*, depending on experience and number of apartment occupants
* Opportunities for increased compensation based on performance, skill set, responsibility and work attitude
* Comfortable, private 2 bedroom on-site housing provided with utlities, internet and cable television.
* Thirty-day introductory review period to ensure a strong mutual fit
To Apply
Please include:
* A brief summary of your work experience
* Your livestock, ranch, maintenance, and equipment experience
* Your availability
* Why this type of ranch lifestyle appeals to you
* Three professional references
Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews and reference checks.
Pay: $2,500.00 – $3,750.00 per month
Benefits:
* Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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*Job was aggregated from Indeed.com*
How to Apply
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