Ranch Assistant Manager

Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC
Supervisory Position:  Yes
Job Title: Ranch Assistant Manager       
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location:  Fort Pierre, South Dakota
Time & Attendance Supervisor: N/A
Division:  Bad River Ranch
Home Department:  907
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. Our mission statement “To manage Turner Lands in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner while conserving native species and habitats” provides a solid foundation for how we exercise 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 the model for 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 balanced management of the properties. We provide an atmosphere in which our 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
The Ranch is situated in the mixed grass prairies of central South Dakota and plays a crucial role in bison production and conservation. Recognizing its historical significance for bison and various wildlife species, the property was acquired with the aim of restoring range conditions and conserving native and endangered species alongside bison production. Bad River Ranch boasts one of the largest bison herds in South Dakota, emphasizing ecological and economic sustainability.

The main breeding herd for Bad River Ranch is a non-weaning group that currently consists of 1,400 breeding females with plans to grow to 2,200 head in the future. The ranch also supports a grass finished operation consisting of stocker heifers and young open cows.

Bad River is holistically managed for production and bison are adaptively grazed year-round through 71 permanent pastures and a multitude of temporary paddocks.   To reclaim conventional no-till farm fields, extensive work has been done utilizing poly culture cover crops and high intensity, short duration grazing strategies. This is done with the use of portable water tanks and several temporary single strand reflective poly rope fences.

All ranch employees are trained in low-stress livestock handling techniques which are implemented during every interaction with the bison. This allows for increased flexibility in all our adaptive grazing systems. 

The Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF), reintroduced the swift fox onto the ranch, and also supports a black footed ferret project. Environmental projects on the property focus on reducing levels of erosion and siltation into the Bad River and ultimately the Missouri River.

The Ranch is located approximately 7 miles Southwest of Fort Pierre, South Dakota (population of 2,150) which offers K-12 schools and shopping amenities. The city of Pierre, SD is located adjacent to and East of Fort Pierre. Pierre has a population of 14,000, offers K-12 schools and greater shopping amenities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ranch Assistant Manager will focus on livestock management practices and grazing management for all bison herds of Bad River Ranch as well as work with other staff to implement a plan using low-stress livestock handling.  In addition, this position will assist the Ranch Manager with budget preparation and adherence, range monitoring, reporting of grazing activity, monthly closeout reporting and develop plans for improved grazing through strategic fence and water developments. This position will also participate in public speaking events and outreach programs. The Ranch Assistant Manager will also be involved in the day to day ranching operational activities.

As an Ranch Assistant Manager, the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Handle the development and implementation of regenerative cropping and grazing plan.
Research recent developments in regenerative agriculture practices to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the ranch’s regenerative efforts.
Perform outreach including state and regional bison associations, various universities, and the public.
Handle the development of plans for capital improvements to optimize livestock distribution and grazing efficiency.
Move and handle bison using low stress techniques.
Develop and maintain ranch buildings, fences, corrals and water sources.
Safely operate and maintain vehicles, tractors, and heavy equipment with various attachments.
Safely operate ATV and UTV.
Handle the installation and maintenance of permanent and temporary fencing.
Maintain and repair waterlines, artesian wells, and water tanks utilizing float valve systems.
Use chemicals to assist with weed control.
Watch for fires during storms and fight fires in the event of one.
Vaccinate livestock using syringes and hypodermic needles.
Participate in Ranch Safety Program.
Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has 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.
Communication – Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills across multiple platforms including in-person meetings, email, Agriwebb, Zoom/Teams meetings, etc.
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.

Basic utilities include water, power, propane, local landline telephone and internet access.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required.  A bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or a related field and five years’ experience in production agriculture is preferred. Livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience may include but not limited to tractor, backhoe, dump truck, and dozer. ATV/UTV/Snowmobile 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.

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 employee must have a personal vehicle to travel from ranch location to local town for personal needs.
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 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. Drag and place flood irrigation dams, climb in and out of irrigation ditches, and wade in thigh deep flowing water. 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.

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 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. 

For more information, and to apply online, visit https://www.tedturner.com/about/career-opportunities-2/.