Chris Carvalho

Working at Tomkat Ranch has been a great opportunity for me to learn about managing very diverse and complex landscapes. Understanding how we must manage our grass lands in way that promotes soil health and bio diversity. I assist in managing a cow calf to finisher herd ranging from 90 animal units to about 130 animal units. I manage all cattle that we take off the home ranch to leases, and assisit with cow herd on main ranch. In addition, vehicle and atv maintenance and repairs, Setting up troughs in various locations using above ground poly pipe to target graze , use of poly wire to either exclude saturated areas or increase stock density in a targeted area, bale grazing to increase forage and soil health, monitoring and recording data on both the herd and land, repairing troughs and water systems across the ranch. welding trailers, fences, gates etc.. While working diligently, my main focus for coming to this ranch was for education, which the ranch has supported and encouraged. I have gone to various workshops, other ranches, and taking courses online.

I have enjoyed my position here at the ranch. My duties have consisted of: maintaining roads and repairing when needed, clearing fallen trees/brush, installing air filtration system in pond and adding beneficial bacteria to help with algae growth,remodeling homes, ranch structure repairs, training three horses, managing a heard of semmental/angus cattle, pouring concrete for culvert drains, core drilling through concrete slabs for railings and drainage, excavating electrical trenches, maintaining ranch vehicles and all equipment, pruned fruit trees, planted small garden, managing 14 acre vineyard , installed two Benpack hydraulic lifts one in shop and one home owners garage, and help out with whatever needs doing here on the ranch.

I lived and cared for company ranch, which consists of maintaining a 29,000 square foot house, 40 acres, landscaping, remodeling, and new construction. Taking care of 10 head of cattle,3 horses, fencing, retaining block walls, tractor work, grading roads, moderate mechanic work on vehicles or tractors, and occasionally help out with the electrical company

This is a family- owned general construction company. I have worked in this business for a good portion of my life. I was in charge of several employees, scheduling subcontractors, and managing job sites throughout their progression. The jobs that i have completed, include; house additions, full remodels, decks, fencing, kitchens, bathrooms, and much more. Most work was done on ocean front properties in Santa Cruz County .

This is a seasonal job (salmon Fishing). I have Four years of experience off and on. The season I fish falls during summer months. The job consists of not only fishing, but also boat maintenance, working with fiberglass, wood work, minor stainless steel fabrication, net work, electrical, etc..

In addition, I have enjoyed fishing as a hobby through out my life.