Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operator
Lowes Ranches Inc. High Prairie, AB, Canada
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Benefits: Dental, Medical, Vision
- On-Site Accommodation: Remote Location
This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about agriculture, farming operations to develop practical skills.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Lowe Ranches is seeking a Specialized Livestock Worker and Farm Machinery Operator to join our crew for full-time permanent position in a fast-paced environment on a family owned and operated combined Grain Farm/Cattle Ranch operation in Northern Alberta.
This position involves:
Duties and Required Experience.
- Animal Husbandry Daily Care: Feed, water beef cattle daily, ensuring accurate distribution of specific rations (silage, grain, and hay) using farm machinery.
- Health Monitoring: Conduct regular herd health checks for signs of illness, injury, or heat and cold stress; administer basic medical treatments and assist with vaccinations/traceability tagging under supervision.
- Calving Operations: Monitor expectant cows 24/7 during calving season; provide assistance during difficult births and ensure the health, colostrum intake, and nursing of newborn calves.
- Handling & Sorting: Safely sort, and move cattle between pastures or into handling facilities for processing and transport using low-stress handling techniques with farm machinery or horseback in hard to reach grazing locations.
- Harvest & Storage: Operate grain augers, tractors and assist in moving grain from the field to on-farm storage facilities in preparation for market delivery.
- Infrastructure & Ground Maintenance & Repair: Perform general maintenance and repair of farm infrastructure, including cleaning pens/barns, organizing shops, tools, products and parts, ground maintenance and fence repairs.
- Equipment Care: Conduct routine equipment maintenance (oil changes, cleaning, washing and greasing) to ensure operational longevity and safety.
- Documentation: Record daily progress reports regarding herd status, feed inventory, and field activities for farm records, completed tasks and worked hours - time tracking.
- Staff Integration: Participate in safety meetings and training events.
Physical & Environmental Demands
- Stamina & Posture: The role requires the physical endurance for long durations of standing during cattle processing and fence repairs, as well as long durations of sitting while operating machinery during crop production.
- Strength: Must be capable of performing strenuous manual labour, including lifting up to 25 kg (55 lbs) repeatedly.
- Environment: Ability to work outdoors in extreme Alberta temperatures, ranging from sub-zero winter conditions to high-heat summer temperatures. Follow safety protocols during all farm activities to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Hazardous risk of operating farm equipment: Machine Rollovers, Equipment Entanglement, Machine Malfunction. Exposure to hazardous products including fuel, lubricants, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, veterinary preparations. Sub-zero winter/cold conditions.
Relevant Experience
This role designed for an individual who excels in the operation of high-capacity modern precision farm machinery. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, physical stamina, 2 year relevant experience and a passion for Agriculture with a willingness to learn.
- A minimum of 2 year of direct working experience in primary agriculture, specifically within a cow-calf livestock operation and large-scale grain/oilseed production.
- The role requires the ability to read and write proficiently in English to maintain accurate herd health records, manage feed and chemical inventories, and strictly follow safety and operating instructions for heavy farm machinery and specialized agricultural equipment. Ability to maintain basic written production records and follow chemical/equipment safety protocols.
Licensing & Soft Skills:
Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license with a clean driver's abstract. Class 1 considered an asset. Communication skills to work in a team environment and the ability to work independently in a remote rural setting while adhering to biosecurity and farm safety standards.
This role involves hands-on work, physical labor and a supporting role in crop cultivation, maintenance, operation of farm machinery and animal husbandry for cow/calf operation.
Average hours are expected to be between 30–40 hours per week. Please note that during peak seasons (seeding and harvest), longer hours may be expected and will be paid at your regular hourly rate.
Please submit your Cover Letter & Resume - outlining your work experience, references/letter of recommendation, skills and education.
Applications may also be submitted via Canada Job Bank: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobposting/49797073
Priority will be provided to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residence and Current Canadian Residence.
About Lowes Ranches Inc:
Lowe Ranches Inc. is an integrated primary agricultural operation specializing in large-scale beef cattle production and diversified crop farming.
Our main business activities include:
- Cow-Calf Operations: Managing a significant beef cattle herd through the full production cycle, including calving, nutritional management, herd health monitoring, and low-stress livestock handling.
- Crop & Forage Production: Large-scale cultivation of grain and oilseed commodities (such as wheat, barley, and canola) as well as forage and silage production specifically for livestock feed.
- Integrated Land Management and On-Farm Logistics: Maintaining and operating high-capacity agricultural machinery, including seeding, harvest, and feed-delivery equipment, to support both livestock and commodity production cycles.
Pay: $35.42 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
