Seeking a dependable, experienced individual to manage the day-to-day operations of a working hay and ranch property in Ivanhoe, Texas.
This is a hands-on position for someone who knows how to operate agricultural equipment, maintain property, troubleshoot mechanical problems, and complete work without constant supervision. The right person will take ownership of the ranch’s hay operation, equipment condition, roads, grounds, and general maintenance needs.
This is not a temporary, seasonal, or part-time ranch-hand position. We are looking for someone who wants stability, responsibility, year-round work, and the opportunity to live on the property.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manage the full hay-production process, including cutting, raking, baling, moving, and storing hay
- Operate tractors, balers, rakes, cutters, skid steers, and other ranch equipment
- Inspect, service, clean, grease, and maintain ranch machinery
- Perform basic equipment repairs and mechanical troubleshooting
- Identify maintenance problems before they become major repairs
- Maintain ranch roads, driveways, drainage areas, pastures, and common work areas
- Complete mowing, shredding, brush clearing, grading, dirt work, and general property upkeep
- Maintain fences, gates, barns, shops, storage areas, and ranch infrastructure
- Keep tools, equipment, parts, and work areas organized
- Monitor fuel, fluids, filters, belts, tires, and commonly used maintenance supplies
- Communicate equipment failures, material needs, and major repair concerns promptly
- Help prepare equipment and property for changing weather and seasonal conditions
- Work extended hours during hay season, severe weather, equipment failures, or other time-sensitive ranch operations
- Handle additional ranch duties and practical problems as they arise
Schedule
This position operates on a structured:
14 days on / 4 days off schedule
Hay season, weather, and equipment issues may require long days, early mornings, evenings, or schedule flexibility.
Compensation and Housing
- $135–$155 per day, based on experience and demonstrated ability
- On-site ranch housing provided
- Steady, year-round employment
- Structured 14-days-on / 4-days-off schedule
- Long-term opportunity for the right person
- No additional benefits are currently offered
Final compensation will reflect the candidate’s ability to independently operate, maintain, and troubleshoot agricultural equipment.
On-Site Housing
Housing is provided on the ranch as part of the position.
The employee must be comfortable living on an active agricultural property and maintaining the residence and surrounding area responsibly. Housing expectations and terms will be reviewed during the hiring process.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience operating tractors and agricultural equipment
- Hands-on hay-production experience, including cutting, raking, and baling
- Ability to safely connect, inspect, adjust, and operate PTO-driven implements
- Mechanical aptitude and basic equipment-repair skills
- Ability to recognize abnormal equipment sounds, leaks, vibrations, heat, or performance
- Ability to work independently and manage daily priorities
- Reliable attendance and consistent follow-through
- Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, dust, mud, rain, and changing Texas weather
- Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation
- Ability to communicate clearly by phone and text
- Willingness to work long hours during peak agricultural periods
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience maintaining commercial-scale hay equipment
- Experience operating skid steers, loaders, grapples, blades, cutters, or similar attachments
- Welding, fabrication, diesel-mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or small-engine experience
- Experience maintaining ranch roads, drainage systems, fencing, and agricultural buildings
- Experience ordering parts and maintaining equipment-service records
- Familiarity with livestock or cattle-handling operations
- Experience working independently on a large ranch or agricultural property
Physical Requirements
This position regularly requires the employee to:
- Climb into and out of tractors, trucks, loaders, and other equipment
- Bend, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, and work around machinery
- Lift and carry tools, parts, materials, and supplies
- Work on uneven ground and around moving agricultural equipment
- Work outdoors for extended periods
- Safely perform physically demanding ranch and maintenance work
Reasonable accommodations will be considered where appropriate.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will:
- Complete hay work safely, correctly, and on schedule
- Keep equipment serviced, clean, organized, and ready to operate
- Catch mechanical issues early and communicate problems promptly
- Maintain ranch roads, work areas, barns, fences, and property to a consistent standard
- Plan work independently and follow through without repeated reminders
- Protect ranch equipment, property, tools, and housing
- Remain dependable during long days and demanding seasons
Application Instructions
To be considered, please submit:
- Your name and contact information
- A summary of your ranch, farming, hay, or equipment experience
- A list of tractors, hay equipment, loaders, or machinery you have operated
- Your mechanical or repair experience
- Your current location
- Your availability to relocate and live on the ranch
- At least two professional references
Email: [email protected]
Please do not apply unless you have relevant agricultural-equipment experience and are genuinely interested in a full-time, live-on-ranch position.
Referral Bonus
A $750 referral bonus will be paid after the referred employee successfully completes 120 days of employment.
We provides employment opportunities based on qualifications, experience, reliability, and the ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.
Pay: $135.00 - $155.00 per day
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Are you willing to work 7 days on 4 days off?
Experience:
- Heavy Equipment maintenance : 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
