Ranch Hand / Ranch Operations

Mendocino Railway is the owner/operator of freight and passenger railroads including the California Western Railroad / Skunk Trainand theRiver Fox TrainThe world-famous Skunk Train is a standard gauge passenger railroad that was founded in 1885, and operates 40 miles between Fort Bragg and Willits, in Mendocino County, California.

The Skunk Trainis looking for outgoing individuals with an aptitude for fun and hard work to join the crew as a Ranch Hand / Ranch Operations Technician.

The Company Ranch is a historic ranch property located along the California Western Railroad (Skunk Train) at Milepost 9. For generations, the ranch has supported livestock operations, agricultural production, timber management, and land stewardship. The Ranch Hand / Ranch Operations Technician assists with the daily operation, maintenance, and improvement of ranch lands, facilities, equipment, and natural resources. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in a rural environment, operating equipment, caring for livestock, maintaining ranch infrastructure, and contributing to ongoing agricultural, forestry, and land management activities.

This is a part-time position and includes working evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to)

Ranch Operations

• Feed, water, monitor, and care for livestock, including cattle, sheep, and other animals as assigned.
• Assist with animal movement, pasture management, and livestock handling.
• Inspect fences, gates, corrals, and water systems and perform repairs as needed.
• Maintain ranch roads, trails, and access routes.

Agriculture and Land Stewardship

• Assist with gardens, orchards, produce cultivation, and other agricultural activities.
• Operate irrigation systems and perform routine irrigation maintenance.
• Participate in weed control, brush clearing, and fire fuel reduction projects.
• Support soil improvement, pasture enhancement, and conservation initiatives.

Timber and Resource Management

• Assist with timberland maintenance and forestry projects.
• Operate chainsaws, brush cutters, and related equipment safely and effectively.
• Help maintain firebreaks and access roads.
• Assist with harvesting, transport, and processing of timber products when required.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance

• Operate tractors, mowers, UTVs, trailers, and other ranch equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles, tools, fencing, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Assist with light carpentry, plumbing, welding, painting, and construction projects.
• Maintain barns, storage facilities, workshops, and ranch residences.

General Property Care

• Keep ranch facilities clean, organized, and presentable.
• Respond to storm damage, fallen trees, fence failures, and other property emergencies.
• Assist with special projects and seasonal ranch activities.
• Support railroad or excursion-related activities on the property when requested.
• Travel to multiple locations on the property.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of experience in ranching, farming, forestry, construction, landscaping, or property maintenance.
• Experience safely handling and using chainsaw, welding, carpentry, or equipment maintenance tools.
• Experience with livestock handling preferred..
• Ability to safely operate tractors and powered equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic repair skills.
• Pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check required prior to hiring.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with employees, contractors, manager, officials, and members of the public.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks with limited supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PPT, and Teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and use hand and power tools.
• Ability to perform physically demanding labor safely.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments and around moving rail equipment (with provided safety training).

BENEFITS & ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Employment is part-time and includes 401(k) retirement and paid sick leave.

EEO Statement

Mendocino Railway is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disabled status or any other protected class.