About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. 

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

In this role, you will…

Livestock Care and Feed Management:

• Monitor the health, nutrition, and welfare of the 20+ cattle herd, including daily checks for illness, injuries, or other issues.
• Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments as needed.
• Establish and manage herd records, including vaccination schedules, and production data.
• Assess pasture conditions and manage grazing rotation to ensure optimal forage availability, as well as set up, maintain, and take down temporary electric fencing in order to manage moves.
• Supplement feeding and monitor water availability for livestock.
• Collaborate on feed plans and manage feed inventory.

 

Maintenance, Operations, & Ecological Monitoring

• Maintain fencing, water systems, and other ranch infrastructure.
• Ensure proper functioning of ranch equipment, performing repairs or coordinating maintenance when necessary.
• Assist with transportation of cattle, including loading and unloading.
• Participate in sales or purchases of livestock and related ranch supplies.
• Support seasonal activities, such as haying, harvesting, or wildlife management.
• Manage distribution and retailing, including cold chain inventory management
• Ensure the ecological goals of increased biodiversity, increased soil Organic Matter, increased water retention, and overall ecological health are being met and maintained
• Contribute to process-based restoration efforts

 

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with the ranch owner(s) and other team members to implement ranch plans and goals.
• Communicate regularly about herd performance, ranch conditions, and operational needs.
• Work closely with Sonoma Mountain Institute (SMI) to both learn about and assist in their operations while they are on the property (December-June)

 

Organization & Culture:

• Contribute to a positive team environment that values collaboration, safety, and mutual respect.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors, providing updates on ongoing tasks and projects.
• Exhibit a proactive approach to problem-solving and a willingness to assist others in achieving shared goals.
• Support hands-on logistics for community organizing efforts.
• Contribute to team efforts for facilities maintenance and agriculture, offering a readiness to pitch in

The ideal candidate has:

Required skills, abilities, competencies

• Basic mechanical, fencing, and equipment repair skills.
• Strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• CDL or ability to drive a truck with a gooseneck trailer.
• Proficiency with herd management software or record-keeping systems.

Education and Experience

• Prior experience with cattle handling and ranching operations (2+ years required).
• Experience with low-stress livestock handling techniques.
• Familiarity with rotational grazing or regenerative agriculture practices.
• Knowledge of livestock health and nutrition.
• Strong history of hard, manual labor

Physical Requirements 

• Frequently required to lift, carry, or move objects weighing 50–75 pounds, such as feed bags, hay bales, fencing materials, or equipment.
• Regularly lifting smaller items (20–50 pounds), such as tools, buckets of water, or supplies.
• Occasionally assisting in moving heavy objects or livestock using proper equipment or teamwork.
• Walking or standing for long periods, often over uneven terrain such as pastures, fields, or dirt lots.
• Frequently bending, crouching, or climbing to perform tasks like repairing fences, administering care, or operating machinery.
• Moving between pastures, barns, and other areas of the ranch, sometimes covering several miles in a day.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions, including extreme weather.
• The ability to respond quickly to emergencies, such as chasing or controlling livestock.

 

Other duties:

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Work hours, working styles, and additional benefits: 

• Please note: this is a two-year position expected to last from around February 2025 - February 2027
• This role requires the individual to be onsite regularly, five days per week with regular weekend availability, including a consistent Saturday, Sunday, or both. Weekend coverage is a requirement of this role.  
• Flexibility to work occasionally after-hours in response to emergencies is expected.

What we offer: 

The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including…

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, for which the organization covers 99% of the cost for employees and 75% of the cost for dependents
• Base salary range: $40/hr
• 401k employer match up to 6%, commuting benefits, and parental leave
• Wellness benefit of $600 per year to spend on anything that contributes to your mental and physical wellness
• Professional development benefit up to $600 per year to support your continued learning and career development
• $500 match for charitable giving, for every year of service up to five years
• Unlimited paid time off policy in addition to fourteen paid holidays
• Sabbatical leave after five years of employment

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level. If you’re excited by this role but your professional experience doesn’t perfectly align with the qualifications listed, we still encourage you to apply.