Range Winter Sheepherder

About the Role

This position involves herding and managing large flocks of 800–1000 head across multiple worksites in Summit, Daggett, and Duchesne Counties, Utah, as well as Uinta, Lincoln, and Sweetwater Counties, Wyoming. Worksite locations vary seasonally based on weather and grazing rotation.

The herder must live in employer-provided range housing, which will be clean and in good repair upon move-in. The employee is responsible for maintaining reasonable cleanliness to avoid pests and reporting any damage to the employer in a timely manner. Negligent damage may result in accountability.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and protect herds from extreme winter conditions to prevent loss, including identifying approaching storms and taking precautions to avoid animals piling up against fences.
• Ensure animals (sheep, goats, horses, and dogs) have access to unfrozen water and distribute emergency supplemental feed during winter months.
• Monitor snow levels to prevent animals from being trapped in deep snow or against fences.
• Identify animals with insufficient nutrition and adjust care accordingly in freezing temperatures.
• Maintain livestock health and safety in extreme weather, with over 51% of work performed on the range.
• Adhere to good animal husbandry practices; negligence or abuse resulting in livestock loss or harm may lead to termination and accountability.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months of experience working with 800–1000 head flocks.
• One professional reference required.
• Ability to work on-call up to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.