Job Description

Lead Hand - Feedlot Operations

Location: Howick, ON

Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reports to: Owner

About Us

We're a family-run, high-capacity beef feedlot committed to animal welfare, operational excellence and team growth. As we continue to expand, we're looking for a seasoned Lead Hand to drive daily operations and mentor our crew.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Supervision & Training

Assign, monitor and coach feedlot staff to ensure safe, efficient operation.

Lead by example on animal-handling best practices and equipment use.

Feeding & Nutrition

Oversee ration mixing, feed truck routes and delivery schedules.

Ensure accurate feed weights, batching and inventory tracking.

Walk through pens to monitor cattle behaviour, identify off-feed or sick animals and initiate treatments or pulling for processing.

Administer vaccines, pour-ons and medications under herd-health protocols.

Operate tractors, front-end loaders, tandem trucks and skid-steers.

Perform routine maintenance (fluid checks, tire pressure) and coordinate repairs.

Maintain gates, water troughs, feeders and yards.

Support construction or expansion projects (pen repairs etc.).

Maintain daily logs: feed usage, animal treatments, mortalities and crew hours.

Qualifications & Skills

Animal Health & Welfare

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

Facility & Infrastructure

Record Keeping & Reporting

3+ years' hands-on experience in a large-scale beef feedlot or ranch environment, including 1+ year in a supervisory role.

Strong knowledge of beef cattle feeding programs, health protocols and pen-checking techniques.

Valid Class G driver's license; DZ/AZ or farm vehicle endorsements an asset.

Mechanical aptitude: able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.

Proven leadership, problem-solving and communication skills.

Physically fit: comfortable working in all weather conditions and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive hourly wage or salary (commensurate with experience).

On-site housing, if needed

Opportunities for professional development and cross-training.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your feedlot leadership successes.

Email: wmbennettandsonsfarmsltd@gmail.com

In the Subject line please include: "Lead Hand - [Your Name]"

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekends as needed
Ability to commute/relocate:

Gorrie, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person