FARM JOB: Coronation, AB – TK Ranch, Ranch Hand

TK Ranch in Coronation, AB, is seeking a Ranch Hand!

ABOUT TK Ranch

TK Ranch is a family owned and operated ranch dedicated to animal welfare and regenerative agriculture located near Coronation, Alberta. We raise grass-fed and finished Angus beef, heritage breed pasture raised pigs and free range laying hens in the remote endangered Northern Fescue Grasslands. We also grow 1000 acres of hay and greenfeed using organic principles. We’ve been direct marketing since 1995 and completed our vertical integration in 2014 when we built a small on-farm government inspected red meat abattoir and cutting facilities. Today we direct market our entire production pasture to plate and are widely recognized as leaders in the natural and organic marketplace in Alberta. Please see https://www.tkranch.com/ for more detailed information.

Land stewardship is very important to us. The Northern Fescue Grasslands, which encompass much of TK Ranch, are recognized as an endangered ecosystem by the World Wildlife Fund and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. There’s only 4% of this ecosystem left in the world and it’s not protected. Every year more of it vanishes under the plough, especially with the price of grain soaring. This land is semi-arid which means that its carrying capacity, how many cattle can be sustainably grazed, is limited. You need 45 acres for one cow/calf unit, or more if it doesn’t rain. This means a landowner can make more money breaking the prairie and farming it to grow grain than using it for grazing livestock. This sad reality means that critical wildlife habitat, that evolved over millennia, continues to be lost. There’s no regenerating intact ecosystems, once there gone there’s no going back.

There are several species at risk that live on TK Ranch. These include Burrowing Owls, Upland Plovers, Short Eared Owls, Chestnut Collared Longspurs, Nighthawks, Loggerhead Shrikes, Sprague’s Pipits, Long-Billed Curlew’s, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Ferruginous Hawks to mention a few. In 2010, when we received the National Prairie Conservation Award, we learned how serious habitat loss has become on the prairies. We knew it was a significant issue, but not how quickly wild prairie across the western provinces was disappearing under the plough. Today wild prairie is more endangered than the rainforest and this sobering fact makes us even more determined to protect it and the many species that call TK Ranch home.

Endangered grasslands evolved with grazing animals and when bison were extirpated from the prairies cattle replaced them in this ecosystem. We use cattle as a tool to keep these grasslands healthy and biodiverse and grass-fed and finished beef is a by-product of our management.

DESIRED QUALITIES

We are looking for a dedicated Ranch Hand to join our team. This role is ideal for an individual who is passionate about regenerative agriculture, compassionate about animal husbandry and enjoys outdoor physical work. You will work independently and as part of a small team to maintain our standards. We are willing to train a potential candidate that shares our core values.

• Previous experience with livestock production (cattle, pigs, and poultry) preferred.
• A demonstrated understanding of (or strong willingness to learn) holistic management and low-stress livestock handling.
• Experience with farm machinery (tractors, swathers, balers).
• Mechanical knowledge and ability to perform maintenance tasks.
• Physical ability to perform heavy lifting and outdoor work.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and team spirit.
• Prior experience in organic or sustainable farming is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to speak, read and write English and legally work in Canada.

POSITION TASKS

• Practice low stress livestock handling methods.
• Be involved with rotational grazing for cattle and pasture raised pigs.
• Assist with herd management tasks, including breeding groups, farrowing, weaning, and required moves.
• Assist with the daily care of laying hens, including feeding, watering, maintaining nest boxes and egg management.
• Assist with mixing/grinding feed and formulating rations where applicable.
• Provide daily feed, water, and mineral supplements to livestock as required.
• Assist with daily ranch maintenance including fencing and other farm-related tasks.
• Operate farm machinery and power tools safely and efficiently.
• Maintain equipment and tools to ensure optimal performance.
• Follow safety protocols, environmental guidelines and biosecurity measures.
• Support meat cutting and processing operations in the abattoir where required.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve operational goals.

POSITION DETAILS

Term: This is a full-time permanent position starting when we find a suitable candidate. We are ideally looking for a long-term commitment.

Hours per week: Hours vary with the season, but average 40 to 50 per week.

Wage: We are willing to train a suitable candidate that shares our core values. Wages are commensurate with experience and start with a $2500/month salary for someone with little experience and increase from there. We have Workers Compensation and a benefits program after probation that includes health, dental, vision and life insurance. We offer shared accommodations (private bedroom, shared bath, kitchen and laundry) with the potential for family accommodations in the fall.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter describing why TK Ranch would be a good place to work as well as a full resume and three employment references to colleen@tkranch.com

Deadline to apply: July 1, 2026

When applying, please mention you saw this posting at youngagrarians.org

Please note that Young Agrarians does not have the capacity to pre-screen job opportunities. Please screen your potential employer to ensure that you are entering into a fair exchange that meets your needs and expectations. Try asking the farm for references of past workers, or ask people in the community if you are unsure.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TK Ranch

Website: https://www.tkranch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TKRanchAlberta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkranchalberta/

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