Ranch Manager at Spikebox Ranch

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employer: Turner Enterprises, Inc. Supervisory Position: Yes
Job Title: Regenerative Farm and Grazing Supervisor Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location: Gallatin Gateway, Montana Time & Attendance Supervisor: N/A
Division: Flying D Ranch
Home Department: Farming Prepared By: Danny Johnson
Reports To: Danny Johnson Prepared Date: March 19, 2020
FLSA Status: Exempt Approved By: Chris Redman
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes
Position Begins: March 15, 2020 to Open-Ended

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

Flying D Ranch encompasses nearly 114,000 acres in Gallatin and Madison counties in Southwest Montana. The Ranch currently farms ~2500 acres with 1800+ acres under irrigation and 600+ acres of dry land. The Ranch’s primary crops historically have been alfalfa/grass hay and small grains.

The Ranch headquarters and base for the farming operation is in Gallatin Gateway, Montana which is 12 miles southwest of Bozeman, Montana. Gallatin Gateway has a K-8 school which has an average class size of ~20 students. Gallatin Valley’s population is >100K and has all essential services available.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Flying D Ranch is seeking a farm supervisor who is passionate about, and experienced in, regenerative agriculture and holistic principles/practices that increase biodiversity, enrich soils, improves watersheds, a enhances whole ecosystem functions. This position integrates progressive agricultural knowledge by planning and implementing innovative farming and regenerative grazing production systems into the Flying D operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The farm supervisor responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct farming and regenerative grazing activities which increase soil, crop health and fertility building systems
• Develop and oversee execution of a comprehensive farm and regenerative grazing plan annually
• Maintain irrigation systems and enhance efficiencies where/when applicable
• Maintain all farm equipment and buildings
• Ensure proper use of farm equipment, tools and safety gear
• Implement innovative weed management practices on farm and regenerative grazing lands
• Prepare annual farm regenerative grazing budget
• Manage expenses in accordance with the annual budget
• Maintain accurate and impeccable records with monthly reporting of activities
• Organize and conduct crop transfers within ranch or outside sales
• Maintain and/or assist in hiring independent contractors necessary for farming implementation
• Record and maintain accurate irrigation water measurements
• Participate in ranch safety programs
• Attend fire training and assist in wildfire suppression as necessary
• Perform general ranch work in off season, assisting bison crew with bison works
• Assist other Turner Ranches with information and expertise as requested where regenerative Ag practices are being implemented
• Inquire and investigate ongoing best farming and regenerative grazing practices to maintain a culture of continuous improvement, shifting current practices to regenerative practices where practical as time allows
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has supervisory responsibilities. The regenerative farm and grazing supervisor will have oversight of up to 2 full time employee and 1-2 seasonal employees as deemed necessary annually. Supervision of farming contractors working on the property.

COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

Core Competencies:

1. Regenerative Agronomic Background in the Northern tier USA or Canada
2. Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) management / Stockmanship
3. Leadership, Vision, Alignment with Company Mission
4. Humility and Ability to Learn From Others
5. Personnel Acquisition, Alignment, Retention, Mentoring
6. Relationship and Team-Building Attitude
7. Innovation and Adaptability (able to develop work plans and adapt as conditions change)
8. Operation, repair, and maintenance of farm equipment and pivot irrigation infrastructure

Necessary Skills and Abilities:

• 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

Employee housing is available as part of the compensation package.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

A four-year degree in agriculture is required. Minimum of 10 years or more of large-scale traditional farming experience and 5 years of more of regenerative farming/grazing experience required; 5 years on more in a supervisory management position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure
manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance. Use of Excel for planning and calculating.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability 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, must possess a valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company's insurance carrier.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must adhere to Company and Ranch policies and procedures, which are included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
• Must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to federal law.
• May be subject to undergo pre-employment drug test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work). Random drug test are given throughout the year.
• 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. Must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

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.

No cell phones are allowed while actively at work unless preapproved by the Manager. 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, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.
For more information, and to apply online, visit www.tedturner.com.