Ranch Technician

Employer: Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc.
Supervisory Position:  No
Job Title: Ranch Technician           
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location:  Gordon, Nebraska
Division:  McGinley Ranch
Home Department:  625
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes

TURNER INSTITUTE OF ECOAGRICULTURE SUMMARY
The mission of the Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture is to research, practice, and disseminate sustainable strategies and techniques for conserving ecosystems, agriculture, biodiversity and rural communities.   Turner Ranches continues to be involved in diverse areas of research concerning animal and environmental sciences. Bison production, finishing, welfare, physiology, and ecology have been areas of research interest. Research has also focused on issues in restoration ecology and imperiled species conservation. Wildlife and bison diseases have been investigated, as has climate change, ecosystem services, and landscape ecology. We look forward to continuing to conduct research in these areas, especially where these subjects converge and create complex eco-agriculture issues and opportunities for big solutions. All the Turner ranches are innovatively managed to unite economic viability with ecological sustainability. They operate as working businesses, relying on bison and other wildlife, hunting and fishing, and ecotourism as principal enterprises. In addition, Turner ranches support many progressive environmental projects including water resource and timber management, and the reintroduction of native species to the land. By sharing our philosophy of using lands to research and demonstrate how ranching operations can meet economic and production objectives while protecting and enhancing natural resources and conservation values of large landscapes, two outcomes can be achieved upon which humankind depends upon – food production and ecosystem health.

LOCATION SUMMARY
The McGinley Ranch is an 80,000-acre property in the Sandhills of Nebraska and South Dakota. The goal of the ranch is to create more life. We do this through regenerative grazing practices, conservation work, and by raising happy healthy bison. Low-stress livestock handling is a key component to accomplishing these goals.  The property supports approximately 3,000 animal units. We embody research, education, and sharing knowledge. Our team strives for excellence, innovation, and quality of life in all aspects of our operation.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES           
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Ranch Technician relate to grazing and rangeland management, bison movement and processing, low stress livestock handling, and infrastructure development and maintenance. The Ranch Technician will assist in managing bison herds using adaptive grazing practices within wet meadow complexes and upland pastures. These grazing practices will be affected using temporary electric fencing as well as building and maintaining permanent high tensile electric fence. The ability and skills to use ATVs to perform ranch work including moving bison is required.

As a Ranch Technician, job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Work with the Manager and team to implement a comprehensive grazing plan.
Work with the Manager and team to develop and improve low-stress livestock handling methods and facilities on the Ranch.
Assist team in the preparation of pastures (fences, water systems, forage inventory) ahead of the grazing rotation and ranch wide as needed.
Move and handle bison in the pasture and corrals using low stress techniques on foot, ATV or UTV.
Develop and maintain fences, water sources, corrals, ranch buildings, and other ranch infrastructure.
Perform range monitoring and grazing planning as needed.
Maintain, repair, and install windmills, solar units, and stock tanks.
Install and maintain permanent and temporary fencing.
Safely use welder, cutting torch, and other shop equipment.
Watch for fires during storms. Fight wildfires or assist with prescribed fires as necessary.
Vaccinate livestock using syringes and hypodermic needles or other means.
Safely operate and maintain vehicles, tractors, and heavy equipment with various attachments.
Safely operate ATV and UTV.
Participate in Ranch Safety Program.
Perform a variety of general ranch work duties.
All other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
Core Competencies:

Commitment to Mission and Team
Humility and Ability to learn from others.
Extreme Ownership
Openness to non-traditional agricultural practices (bison and managed grazing).
Low Stress Livestock Handling
Office and computer skills sufficient to interpret and compile reports and spreadsheets.
Initiative and Adaptability (able to develop and change work plans as needed)
Able to safely operate machinery of all types.
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following characteristics:

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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required. A bachelor’s degree is highly preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of Range Monitoring and Grazing Planning, Livestock care, familiarity with low-stress handling, and adaptive grazing experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience is highly preferred. ATV/UTV experience is highly preferred.

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
If 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.

BQA certified or have a willingness to earn BQA certification is highly preferred.

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 ATV/UTV 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. Must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

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.”

** To be considered for this position, please upload – a cover letter that describes your interest in the position, previous field experience (If any), and your career goals. **

Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

For more information, and to apply online, visit www.turnerranches.com.