Ranch Hand

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, 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 own curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

Bounded by the rolling hills and a meandering stretch of San Antonio Creek, the Eames Ranch sits in a narrow, sunny valley on the southern edge of Sonoma County. The approximately 350 acre ranch offers seasonal rotational grazing for cattle and feed for a herd of sheep (along with their vigilant guard llama, Lulu), beekeeping, and gardens of multiple scales.

The Ranch Hand will be responsible for maintaining and supporting the operations of the Eames Institute Ranch. This role is essential in ensuring the functionality and upkeep of the property, including facilities maintenance, equipment, and land management. The Ranch Hand assists with a variety of tasks contributing to the overall appearance, safety, and smooth operation of the ranch. This position requires a hands-on approach, technical skills, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care for the property.

In this role, you will…

Farm & Ranch

• With direction provided by Farm Manager, manage the general upkeep of the garden, including weeding, irrigation, and pest management.
• Maintain a state of readiness for all farm and ranch activities, as defined by the Farm Manager.
• Operate and maintain agricultural water systems (drip tape, sprinklers, timers, supply lines, etc.) ensuring proper irrigation and water flow.
• Support care for sheep, greenhouse, and the garden, including rotating the sheep paddocks and tasks in the greenhouse like watering and seeding.
• Assist with pest management and handle harvest and post-harvest tasks (washing, packing, and storing).
• Drive the UTV around all properties 2-3 times per week to monitor and repair fences, identify fire hazards, observe wild animal activity, and report maintenance needs.
• Weed whacking, mowing, and other land management tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including running errands, filling gas tanks, and supporting various ad hoc tasks around the ranch.

Facilities Maintenance

• Ensure a consistent state of readiness for all facilities and equipment, as defined by the Facilities Director.
• Walk all buildings 2-3 times per week to self-identify maintenance needs and create work orders as necessary.
• Perform custodial tasks to maintain clean and functional facilities.
• Be available for infrequent after-hours emergencies, including water issues, animal escapes, fire, and other urgent situations.
• Maintain ranch vehicles, including washing, fueling, and performing basic maintenance as directed by the Facilities Director.

Organization & Team Culture

• Support hands-on logistics for community organizing efforts
• 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.

The ideal candidate has:

Required skills, abilities, competencies

• Familiarity with agricultural water systems, including pumps and irrigation lines
• Ability to drive a truck and trailer
• Ability to operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, mowers, tractors, and UTV’s.
• Skills in small engine repair and maintenance are a plus
• Basic electrical knowledge for minor fixes and troubleshooting
• Experience with drywall, painting, and using power washers and sprayers
• Comfortable working at heights and lifting heavy materials (up to 75 lbs.)
• Proficiency in carpentry and plumbing, with a higher focus on rough plumbing skills
• A team-oriented attitude and strong communication skills

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent related work experience.
• Experience in facilities maintenance, ranch work, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with carpentry, plumbing, and basic electrical repairs.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform basic maintenance.
• Familiarity with agricultural water systems and general land management practices.

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: 

• 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 occasional after-hours in response to emergencies is expected.

What we offer: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, for which the organization covers 99% of the cost for employees and 75% of the cost for dependents
• Base hourly range: $28 - $32
• 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

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.