Private
Job Title: Director of Ranch Operations (DRO).
Overview:
Ranch/Owners: The owners are a Christian Conservative husband and wife team, who are very proactive with the ranch operations and communicate regularly with the ranch and staff. The Ranch consist of 50,000 acres located in Southern Colorado with an elevation of 7,000-10,500 feet. The ranch’s infrastructure and improvements are in excellent condition as well as above average in functionality and craftsmanship.
Ranch Operations: Currently, the ranch runs a fifty (50) head Bison herd, with plans to expand up to 200 head. The ranch also operates a hunting, fishing, hay production, and hospitality service for owners’ family and friends.
Reporting Relationships:
The DRO will report to the owners as well as be required to work closely with any consultants, outside contractors, ranch staff and most importantly the ranch division managers.
Principle Functions:
The DRO is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the ranch’s infrastructure including all buildings and equipment. In addition, the DRO is responsible for the complete care of livestock on the property. Long range planning will be a joint process with the owners, managers and DRO.
Responsibilities will also include, but not limited to:
- Provide oversight on ranch budgets and accounting
- Maintain adequate ranch records
- Responsible for ensuring that the ranch owners, owners family/ guests needs are fulfilled during their ranch stays
- Assist in representing the ranch’s interest within the community as directed by the ranch owners
Selection Criteria:
- Strong organizational, writing, and database management skills.
- Strong communication skills, possess a high energy level in a demanding work environment, effective written and oral communication skills, proven management skills, as well as be flexible and self-motivated.
- Ability to work cooperatively with multiple outside ranch participants. Must possess the ability to synthesize critical information for the owners in an efficient manner.
- Initiative and motivation to work jointly with other ranch staff personnel, volunteer workers, and state agency partners along with making the ranch and owners its priority.
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
DRO must have demonstrate experience and knowledge in all but not limited to:
- Service industry, care taking of properties, hay and alfalfa productions, mule/horse care and riding skills, bison care and genetics, managing a large resort style ranch, employee supervision, recording keeping skills related vehicles and equipment, along with computer and mobile device skills.
- Knowledge of and personal commitment to hunting, conservation, land management and natural resource management.
- Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with at least a bachelor’s degree is preferred but not mandatory if experience is exceptional.
- Must be in good health and physical condition.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a Colorado vehicle operator’s license.
- Variable working conditions, with long hours and weekends at certain times is required.
- Must have a professional, cooperative and family-oriented demeanor.
Additional Requirements:
Bison Operations:
- Possess a strong knowledge of animal husbandry along with prior experience running a cow/calf operation which includes but not limited to nutrition, reproduction, genetics (bull purchasing), general heath and sale of calves. Experience in range management and possess a genuine interest in improving the herd and habitat. Detailed computer record keeping is a must for bison management.
Hay/Alfalfa Operations:
- Possess prior experience in preparing new and old hay/alfalfa field production. Ability to work and coordinate with ranch division managers on timing, production and preparation of the fields.
Equestrian Operations:
- Currently the ranch has no mules or horses. Owners plan to purchase up to six (6) in the future. Scope of the equestrian operation will include but not limited to equipment maintenance, exercise riding, saddling and the care of the animals.
Recording Keeping:
- DRO must possess strong skills in recording keeping relative to the ranch. This includes but not limited: to vehicle registration, permits, hunting tags, bison operations, warranties, guest waivers, the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Ranching for Wildlife program, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and State leases.
Hunting/Fishing:
- The DRO will assist if needed in the hunting operations. Responsibilities may include organization of hunting vouchers/tags; all hunting guest as well as public hunters signing ranch waivers; and report all necessary documentation to the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
- Coordination with ranch security patrol to prevent trespassing.
- Ability to keep the ranch fishing boats in good working condition as well as coordinate with owners to restock the lakes as needed.
Colorado Water Rights:
- Prior knowledge of the rules and regulations concerning water rights in Colorado would be beneficial.
Guest Operations and Caretaking Responsibilities:
Family and friends of the ranch owners will frequent the ranch during all seasons. The DRO will oversee and be involved in guests/owner “set-up” upon arrival and during their stay. Set-up will include, but not limited to house and building preparations, vehicle drop of or pick up at local airport, vehicle preparations including ranch ATV’s, equestrian set-up, and any other needs. The owners demand all guests are respectful to all ranch employees and DOR will treat all guests with the same respect. The ranch infrastructure, including owner’s home, guest cabins, grounds, main gate, headquarters, Elk Camp, and any other assets of the ranch must be kept in an orderly fashion and maintained at the highest level.
Ranch Staff:
- Currently the ranch has a DOR who will be retiring. The current DOR may be able to assist the incoming DRO for a short period of time with initial transition.
- The incoming DRO will work and coordinate with the ranch division managers and their assistants. Currently the ranch has one Ranch Field Operations Manager with four assistants, one Hospitality Manager with one assistant, and one Wildlife Manager with one Co-Manager.
To apply:
The DRO is a full-time, year-round Job. Starting salary is commensurate with experience. Please send applications to consist of a full bio, letter of interest, resume and letters of recommendation to our email. Upon reviewing all applications, the owners will coordinate a ranch tour and onsite interview.
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Colorado Ranch Jobs
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Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Bison / Buffalo Ranch Jobs, Cattle Ranch Jobs, Farm Ranch Jobs, Guest / Dude Ranch Jobs, Hay Ranch Jobs, Hunting Ranch Jobs, Private Ranch Jobs, Ranch Caretaker Jobs, Ranch Manager Jobs, Ranch Supervisor Jobs