Ranch Hand / Laborer

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The expectation is the Farm Hand should be available on-site, to live in a trailer that will be provided. 1-2 people maximum. No families or children. No smoking. Minimal alcohol on site. No marijuana. No illicit drug use. Housing is completely contingent on employment, including the internet and utilities. It does not include laundry or mailbox.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

General: Agriculture

Daily:

Walk water meters - document numbers

Walk upper house perimeter- lock gates

Walk inside/outside lower house- look for water leaks

Check on dogs, walk and feed dogs (morning and evening) – brush hair

Walk fruit tree, garden and barn area – prune and pest control family fruit trees

Garden – water, weed, and maintain

Gopher traps – clear, place and control holes

Lawn monitoring

Landscape and Lawn sprinklers – monitor area watered and adjust; monitor for broken pipes/sprinklers and repair as needed

Weekly:

Mow all lawns – use ride on mower for large lawns; use small mower for upper house lawn

Blow driveways and roads

Fix sprinklers, repair irrigation pipes

Remove leaves

Lawn trim and weed removal

Hedge trimming as needed

Clean out all major drain covers and the area surrounding

Monitor spa- clean spa

Broom and mop deck

Weed spray driveways

Fertilize lawn, fruit trees, and sprinkler modifications

Gopher traps

Clean windows on lower house and garage

Snail pellets to family fruit trees

Ant control

Take out trash

Monthly:

Landscape hedging and trimming

Weed control

Large tree and branch maintenance

Building Specific: (includes Barn, Lower House, Upper House)- to be done on a calendared schedule

Clean rain gutters

Change air conditioning and heating filters

Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-up

Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary

Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits

Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary using liquid cleaning agents

Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.

Inspect electrical cords for wear.

Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.

Check indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.

Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.

Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.

Small painting/touch up

Small wood repair

Small electrical work

Small plumbing work (toilets, etc.)

Vineyard Specific: to be done on a calendared schedule

Maintain syrah vines trim and clean up

Maintain chardonnay, merlot and pinot vines and clean up

Control watering based on a schedule

Monitor all lines for breaks

Monitor all drip systems for leaks

Apply netting to all vines

Remove netting to all vines

Manage all fertilizer needs

Manage all pruning

Manage pest and bird control

Coordinate sugar testing

Coordinate picking/harvesting

Avocado Grove Specific: to be done on a calendared schedule

Monitor leaks and shut off the water

Notify management company and staff of water concerns

Monitor water use – control water during the rainy season

Maintain irrigation drainage

Maintain tree branch length in the roads

Monitor and document erosion

Walk the grove regularly

Remove dead trees (stump)

Maintain roads in the grove

Cement holes in the grove

Improve drainage systems near roads

Coordinate with our farm management company – watering, picking

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event/ Airbnb Specific:

Coordinate package delivery

Assemble furniture

Coordinate Pest Control

Move furniture

Event set up support

Event cleaning support

Reset internet and WIFI (if needed)

Point of contact if on-site guests have concerns

Other:

Monitor wild animals

Take dogs to the veterinary clinic (if needed)

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Good computer skills (need to be able to use excel, spreadsheets, etc to help organize and track information)

Good communication and organizational skills

Punctual

Responsible

Flexibility

Adaptability

Trust-worthy

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB:

Education: High School Diploma

Other:

The Farm Hand will communicate with the staff and owner via email, text, and cell. Communication will be at a minimum on a weekly basis.

Coordinating information with all other staff, event planners, Airbnb staff, grove management, vineyard management, etc. is expected.

Local Candidates preferred.