Livestock Assistant – Heifer USA
Job ID 1666
Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identify, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
About Heifer International
In 1944, Heifer International’s founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War.
He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heifer’s work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges.
Today, Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way.
To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone. We have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs. To achieve this, Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed, and highly skilled staff.
ROLE FUNCTION
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES
- 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.
Minimum 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.
Preferred Requirements:
- 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.
Most Critical Proficiencies:
- Reliable. Excellent work ethic. Passion for livestock and Regenerative Agriculture.
- Ability to collaborate with other Heifer U.S.A staff.
- Commitment to ranch learning opportunities & professional development.
- Dedication to the safety of animals and staff.
- Attention to detail, punctual, and dedicated to safety standards.
- Passion for farming and food justice issues, Organized, Flexible, and Thrives in a culturally diverse environment.
- Curious, adaptable, and willing to speak up and ask for help as needed.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:
- Must be physically able to complete a wide variety of manual labor.
- Ability to lift ~50 lbs. or more consistently.
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Standing and walking outdoors for long periods of time.
- Excellent listening skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work standing for long periods of time.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Flexibility working early shifts a few times per month.
- Must be willing to use machinery safely, such as tractors.
- Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
- Must be willing to learn about ranch safety procedures.
- Ability to take directions and execute tasks as directed.
- Must be willing to work outside in various weather conditions.
Salary Information:
- The expected hourly rate for this role is $20-22 per hour. Placement within the range will be based on the experience and competency level of the candidate.
- Only candidates in commutable distance to Heifer Ranch in Perryville, AR will be considered for this role.
What We Offer:
- Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week.
- 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!