Blue Creek Ranch (aka Turner Ranches)
Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC
Supervisory Position: No
Job Title: Feedlot Technician
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska
Time & Attendance Supervisor: N/A
Division: Blue Creek Ranch
Home Department: 679
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes
TURNER RANCHES SUMMARY
Turner Ranches are collectively known as the largest and most progressive bison operation in the world. We stand at the forefront of research, innovation, conservation, and production in the bison industry. The mission statement, “To manage Turner Lands in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner while conserving native species and habitats” directs our balanced stewardship of the land while integrating conservation and commerce. We are passionate about improving land, health, and diversity through innovative grazing practices and conservation management. Our Ranches are a model of sustainable ranching practices throughout the western United States. Low-stress livestock handling is an important component of how we promote the ethical and moral treatment of our animals. Our diverse team consists of veterinary, wildlife biology, ecology, range management, ranch management and hospitality professionals who provide a unique balance of knowledge and insight into the stewardship of our properties. We provide an atmosphere where employees can grow and progress through work experience, training, and community involvement.
If you are passionate about sustainable ranching and conservation, come help us make a difference and be part of something great!
LOCATION SUMMARY
Blue Creek Ranch encompasses approximately 85,000 deeded acres in Garden County, NE, located 15 miles Northeast of Oshkosh, NE. The ranch ecosystem is Sandhills Mixed-Grass Prairie, characterized by grass-covered sandhills interspersed with wet meadows. The Blue Creek River flows through the ranch, providing excellent habitat for numerous animal species.
The primary ranch operation is bison production (cow/calf and yearling) and grazing management of approximately 1,200 breeding bison cows and 1,300 yearling bison bulls and heifers. Bison grazing is managed using planned grazing of the uplands and wet meadows, with intensively managed grazing on crop lands and along Blue Creek to achieve ecological goals and animal performance. The Ranch also operates two feedlots that are utilized to finish Blue Creek Ranch raised as well as other Turner Ranch raised bison. Ranch staff utilize low stress livestock handling techniques while interacting with the bison in pastures and corrals.
The ranch headquarters is located 15 miles northeast of Oshkosh, NE or 16 miles North of Lewellen. Oshkosh, NE offers K-12 schools.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Blue Creek Ranch operates two feedlots, known as the Hill Feedlot and the HQ Feedlot. The HQ Feedlot feeds bison that are produced on the Blue Creek Ranch and has the capacity to house up to 800 head on feed. The Hill Feedlot operates as a custom feeding operation, and feeds bison that were raised on other Turner Ranch properties. The Hill Feedlot has the capacity to house up to 2,500 head on feed. The feedlots utilize a cafeteria style ration using whole corn, alfalfa, and grass hay.
The Feedlot Technician position will be involved in daily oversight of a progressive feeding program. This position requires a high interest in bison care and welfare. This employee will be involved in the feeding and daily maintenance of both feedlots. The Feedlot Technician will strive for excellence in low-stress bison handling techniques when pulling pens as well as handling and shipping.
As a Feedlot Technician, the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Monitor Feeding Program
- Perform daily feed checks to ensure sufficient roughage (alfalfa and meadow hay) and concentrate (whole corn) is present in the pens.
- Monitor the supplemental mineral package, salt blocks and feed as needed.
- Make recommendations to assist bison in meeting target average daily gains as needed.
- Utilize AgriWebb to maintain detailed feeding and inventory records.
Feedlot Maintenance
- Ensure all feedlot equipment is well maintained which includes greasing, oil changes, other filter changes as required.
- Maintain and repair equipment on a wide variety of equipment including trucks, ATVs, UTVs, wheel loaders, and tractors.
- Keep alleyways, gates, and fences in proper working conditions.
- Clean automatic waters, corn bunks and hay feeders to prevent mold and residue build up as needed.
- Maintain feedlot pens by scraping and hauling manure and fixing dust wallows.
- Stockpile alfalfa and grass hay near designated pens for feeding.
- Work to minimize weeds growing around pens and mow grass around pens and feedlot.
Bison Care
- Utilize low stress handling to pull pens and ship bison.
- Monitor pens for sick or under preforming bison.
- Assist with working bison through chutes to check weights and booster vaccinations.
- Monitor weights to ensure bison will meet target weights prior to shipping.
Ranch Duties
- Assist with the cover crop planting and grazing and irrigation of crop land, using regenerative techniques to improve soil health and crop land.
- Assist with working main bison herd through the facilities annually.
- All other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; works well alone.
- Project Management – Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time.
- Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
- Judgment – Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
- Motivation – Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
- Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
- Professionalism – Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
- Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
- Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
- Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
- Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
- Confidentiality – Occasional contact with owner and guests.
ACCOMMODATIONS
On Ranch housing and basic utilities are provided subject to the Company’s Housing Agreement. Single family housing and basic utilities are provided subject to the Company’s Housing Agreement.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Two years’ experience with previous livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience is highly preferred. Ability and skills to use ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, feed truck and augers to perform ranch work is required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The employee must be able to write routine reports and correspondence.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
The employee must be able to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. The employee must be able to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
REASONING ABILITY
The employee must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
This position requires operation of a vehicle, the employee must possess a valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. The employee’s driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company’s insurance carrier.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
- The employee must adhere to Company and Ranch policies and procedures, which are included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
- The employee must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to federal law.
- The candidate may be subject to undergo pre-employment drug test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work). Random drug tests are given throughout the year.
- The Company operates as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the Ranch property, to include but is not limited to; Ranch housing, Ranch vehicles, Ranch offices or on Ranch machines.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must be able to ride an ATV for extended periods of time on uneven, rough terrain, and occasionally on roads and flat terrain while performing ranch duties. The employee is frequently required to climb ladders and pipe corrals. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 75 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
The employee must be able to competently move and handle bison with other employees. Moving and handling bison in corral setting requires walking, running, and climbing pipe corrals for extended periods on uneven terrain. The employee must be able to open and close heavy pipe gates in a time sensitive manner while in the presence of bison and performing these duties alone.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
This position is located in a remote location. A ranch radio will be provided for communication and is required every day for work.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be alert and aware of dangers that are present while working on a ranch and its surroundings.
*In accordance with applicable law, the Company will reasonably accommodate any disabled individual who requests an accommodation that will allow him/her to perform the essential job duties or functions of his/her position. Accommodation inquires must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.”
Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.
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