Description
W A Ranches within AVP Strategy Enterprise Comm is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Ranch Hand.
The Ranch Hand reports to the Ranch Manager.
Ranch Hands are talented generalists capable of performing work in 3 main areas:
. Cattle operations
. Farming operations
. Ranch Maintenance and Ranch Improvement Projects
Although, each ranch hand may take the lead in their own specific areas of expertise, they must have the skills to perform work in all areas. Ranch hands work on their own, with other members of the team, and with external suppliers and contractors. They travel to and work on all the ranch properties.
Ranch hands participate in morning meetings about the daily operation, in annual calving meetings, in all-staff meetings, and in annual performance reviews including 360 feedback. They provide input into all areas of the ranch operation. They work independently and interdependently and must be able to keep others informed throughout the day on their activities, observations and issues to be addressed by communicating remotely (text, phone, radio) and on a face-to-face basis.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Performing tasks with cattle in a low stress environment including calving, herd health, processing and treatment, feeding and record keeping as assigned
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Ensuring cow/calf herd is healthy, productive, and accounted for in our records by riding through pastures and performing Herd health checks
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Calving cow herd based on established protocols
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Implementation of annual pasture plan, as directed
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Implementation of annual bull plan, as directed. May provide input into bull selection
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Assisting in the development and implementation of the cull plan
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Operating, loading/unloading farm equipment and ranch vehicles as required
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Performing ranch maintenance activities, including fencing and pastures management
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Performing ranch and farm equipment maintenance as directed
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Hauling livestock, ranch materials and equipment
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Preparing water meter reading reports monthly
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Experienced working with cattle in a low stress, appropriate pressure environment; understands and appreciates cattle and horse behaviours
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Experienced in calving and processing
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Valid driver's license, ideally with a Class 1 A (with air endorsement)
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Experience operating farm equipment and hauling trailers
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Able to ride horses, rope, and pasture treat animals
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Able to meet all physical demands of the job
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Able to work within a team environment, give and receive feedback, and get along with various personality types
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Able to work alone in remote and/or wilderness areas
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Mixed farm background, an asset
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Ranch/farm safety is a priority
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Excellent memory
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Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
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Strong sense of direction
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Strong situational awareness
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Good vision - especially, good peripheral vision
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Comfortable with technology and use of smart phones, gps, computers, texting and email applications
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Must like cattle
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Must have good emotional fitness (there's zero tolerance for taking out anger on animals or equipment)
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Self motivated, organized
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Operational and Administrative Support Career Band, Level 03 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
