Livestock Team Member I

Livestock Team Member I

Compensation: $17/hour + Housing (single person occupancy)

Employment Type: Full-time, non-exempt

Days of the Week: Thursday-Monday

Expected Start Date: Nov-Dec 2026

About Cienega Capital:

Cienega Capital is the administrative and investment hub of the #NoRegrets Initiative.

The #NoRegrets Initiative is an integrated relationship-centered approach to land and asset management that uses a variety of capital – ecological, financial and social – to grow the health of agricultural lands and the communities that steward them. This work is done through Cienega Capital, Globetrotter Foundation, Paicines Ranch Learning Center, Paicines Ranch Hospitality and Paicines Ranch.

Company Overview:

Paicines Ranch is a 7500-acre property focused on holistically managed, certified organic rangeland, irrigated cropland, and vineyards. Located near Hollister, California, our mission is to imagine, design, create, and manage agricultural practices that promote ecosystem health, economic viability, and inspiration. Our vineyard is a uniquely designed polyculture with a partial overhead trellis system that supports year-round grazing.

Paicines Ranch is located near Paicines, CA. We have several growing livestock enterprises. Sheep and cattle graze irrigated and rangeland pastures, while pigs and poultry spend most of their time on irrigated ground. We use livestock as a tool to improve our soil health and ecological resilience. Our land is certified organic and managed using Holistic Management. We raise our animals 100% on pasture and use antibiotics only therapeutically to treat active disease, which we minimize by maintaining a high level of nutrition and culling animals that do not perform well in our system. We sell our meats directly to consumers and through wholesale channels.

For more information about our regenerative efforts, visit Paicines Ranch - Our Work.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an entry level enthusiastic and proactive livestock team member to come learn and grow with us. We are seeking a new team member to assist in day to day operations of a 7,600 acre regenerative farm in Paicines, CA. If you are someone that lives and breathes taking care of the earth and animals, we want to talk!

We are a small team, and you will be part of all aspects of the operation. This is a fantastic opportunity to build skills on beautiful land with a team of like-minded individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate within a team setting to ensure the smooth operation of livestock enterprises.
• Assist with the daily care and management of all livestock ventures (sheep, poultry, cattle, and pigs).
• Erect and dismantle temporary electric fencing and netting for livestock groups, while also contributing to paddock design and maintenance.
• Keep accurate records for various enterprises as directed by supervisor.
• Maintain equipment, tools, and supplies assigned to you, ensuring they are in good working condition.
• Fulfill ranch-related errands efficiently and effectively.
• Be able to comfortably interface with guests, visitors, and customers regarding livestock and land management at Paicines Ranch.
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

What You Need:

• At least 1 year of experience working with adaptive-grazing of cattle or sheep on a daily basis.
• 1 year of experience herding, using low-stress/proper stockmanship.
• Willingness and passion to work with all livestock species at all life stages (sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, cattle).
• Educational courses in biology, agricultural sciences, animal science, environmental earth and soil science, AND/OR at least 2 years of experience working on a ranch with cattle or small ruminants.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Willing to work in a collaborative team environment
• Good communication skills
• Detail oriented
• Must have a valid Drivers License
• Able to work a flexible schedule when necessary and work weekend days .
• Expected to work holidays.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Desire to learn or improve understanding of regenerative and holistic grazing management on California rangelands. Interest in improving botany skills.
• At least 6 months of pasture poultry and pig experience.
• Horsemanship skill set, must provide your own horse(s).
• Herding/Working Dog experience, must provide your own dog.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically fit to stand and walk on your feet all day, up and down steep slopes
• Ability to push, pull and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to physically work outdoors in all types of weather, especially heat.

All Team Members:

• Dining and Meat Discounts
• 401(k) participation and Employer Matching! (subject to eligibility)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation.
• The chance to be a key player in shaping the future of our brand.

Full-Time Staff (working more than 30 hours/week):

• 100% paid Medical, life insurance
• Paid Time Off

Housing and Other Benefits:

Housing is subject to availability. We also assist with horse and working dog care if you are part of our Livestock team!