Farm / Ranch Assistant – Virginia

Hansen Agri-PLACEMENT is seeking an experienced Farm / Ranch Assistant for a diversified cow/calf, cattle backgrounding, hay, and crop operation located in Virginia. This is a hands-on, non-management position with a family-run operation looking for someone who wants to become a dependable, long-term part of the team. Farm equipment experience is the #1 priority for this position. The successful candidate needs to be comfortable getting into a tractor, skid steer, or other piece of equipment and going to work without requiring constant supervision. While equipment operation is the primary focus, candidates should not mistake this for a position with little livestock involvement. There is plenty of cattle work and exposure throughout the year, with a couple hundred head of mama cows and approximately 600–1,000 head of cattle moving through the backgrounding/feed program annually. The operation is willing to help develop additional cattle skills in someone who already brings a strong farm equipment background, mechanical aptitude, and the right work ethic.

Position Responsibilities

Equipment Operation – TOP PRIORITY

• Operate tractors for mowing, raking, baling, planting, and other fieldwork
• Operate skid steer and assist with mini excavator work
• Safely load, move, stack, and transport hay and other materials
• Operate farm machinery safely and efficiently on rolling and hilly terrain
• Assist with silage production, planting, harvest, and seasonal field operations
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and basic repairs
• Identify equipment issues before they become major problems
• Work independently and efficiently without constant oversight

Cattle & Livestock
Although this is not a traditional horseback/cowboy position, there is significant opportunity to work with cattle.

• Assist with a cow/calf herd consisting of a couple hundred mama cows
• Work around approximately 600–1,000 head moving through the backgrounding/feed program annually
• Assist with feeding the cow herd and backgrounding cattle
• Support calving, tagging, processing, and general herd health
• Identify and assist with treatment of sick cattle
• Help move cattle and manage pastures
• Assist with day-to-day livestock needs as required
• Potential exposure to AI/ET work and development of the operation's expanding purebred/seedstock component

Strong cattle experience is certainly beneficial, but the employer is willing to train and develop livestock skills for the right individual who already possesses the required equipment background. The employer understands the importance of having time away from work and makes an effort to provide flexibility when the operation and season allow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys running equipment but still wants meaningful involvement with cattle and the overall operation.

Qualifications
Required:

• Several years of legitimate, hands-on farm/ranch or production agriculture experience
• Strong farm equipment operating experience – TOP PRIORITY
• Experience safely operating tractors and other agricultural machinery
• Basic mechanical aptitude and equipment maintenance skills
• Ability to work independently and stay productive without constant supervision
• Valid driver's license
• Dependable, hardworking, and safety-minded
• Willing and able to work longer seasonal hours and scheduled weekends

Preferred:

• Skid steer and/or mini excavator experience
• Hay production experience, including mowing, raking, and baling
• Cattle handling and feeding experience
• Fencing experience
• Water-line and drainage installation experience
• Backgrounding/feedlot experience
• General fabrication, welding, or mechanical skills

The employer is not looking for someone simply wanting to get their first opportunity in agriculture. This operation needs an individual who already understands farm work, equipment, changing seasonal demands, and what it takes to get the job done. You do not need to be a professional cowboy or lifelong cattleman. If you bring several years of solid agricultural experience, are highly capable around machinery, have good mechanical aptitude, and are willing to continue developing your cattle skills, this could be an excellent long-term opportunity. For someone who enjoys equipment, cattle, hay production, excavation projects, and the variety that comes with a diversified family operation, this position offers the opportunity to put down roots and become an important part of the farm for years to come.