Position Title: Ranch Manager
Name of Ranch/Business: Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc.
Location: Gordon, NE
Position Description:
Employer: Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture, Inc.
Supervisory Position: Yes
Job Title: Ranch Manager
Uses Time & Attendance: No
Location: Gordon, Nebraska
Division: McGinley Ranch
Home Department: 627
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes
TURNER RANCHES SUMMARY
Turner Ranches, administered by Turner Enterprises, Inc. (“TEI”), 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.
McGinley Ranch is the first ranch operating as part of the Turner Institute of EcoAgriculture (“Institute”), a non-profit Agricultural Research Organization with a mission “To Research, Practice, and Disseminate sustainable strategies and techniques for Conserving Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Rural Communities”.
We are passionate about improving land health and diversity through regenerative grazing practices and conservation management. Our Ranches strive to be 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 partner with conservation and research professionals in universities, state and federal agencies, and a multitude of non-governmental and tribal organizations. We provide an atmosphere where employees can grow and progress through work experience, training, and community involvement.
If you are passionate about sustainable ranching, conservation and research come help us make a difference and be part of something great!
LOCATION SUMMARY
McGinley Ranch comprises approximately 80,000 deeded acres in Cherry County, NE and Bennett County, SD. The ranch ecosystem is Sandhills Mixed-Grass Prairie, characterized by grass-covered sandhills interspersed with wet meadows. The primary ranch operation is bison production (cow/calf and yearling) and grazing management of approximately 2,500 animal units. McGinley Ranch participates in many research and conservation projects.
The Ranch headquarters is located 35 miles northeast of Gordon, NE which has most of the necessary amenities (Hospital, K-12 school, Grocery and hardware stores, movie theater, etc.).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ranch Manager is responsible for the operation and administration of bison production (cow/calf and yearling) and grazing management of approximately 2,500 animal units. McGinley Ranch bison, land, and other assets are considered research assets. The Ranch may have multiple research projects ongoing at any time under the direction of the Institute Executive Director (“Director”). The Ranch Manager and Director will work closely together to coordinate research activity which may be conducted by scientists, graduate students, universities, or state and federal agencies through the Institute. The current primary academic institution involved with the Institute is the South Dakota State University Center of Excellence for Bison Studies. The Ranch Manager will report to the Vice President of Ranch Operations.
As a Ranch Manager, the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Prepare and maintain oversight of the annual operating and capital budget of approximately $1 million, monthly reports to management, maintenance and enhancement of the profitability and reputation of the Ranch, and stewardship of its human and natural resources.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with neighboring ranches/property owners, local community leaders, local/state/federal government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Work closely with ranch staff, the Turner Enterprises, Inc. (“TEI”) Bozeman office (V. P. of Ranch Operations, Director of Ranch Operations, Turner Ranches Division Managers, Turner Endangered Species Fund Director, Wildlife Manager, Biodiversity staff, and Veterinarian), and the other TEI Ranch Managers. The Manager will have infrequent interaction with the Owner and his family.
Interact with the TEI Atlanta office (CEO, CFO, CAO, Finance Director, Controller, HR, and Risk Management), and outside legal counsel and consultants.
Facilitate research projects at McGinley Ranch by modifying bison and grazing management to meet research objectives.
All other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has supervisory responsibilities. The Ranch Manager will supervise 3 full-time employees and up to 2 part-time/seasonal employees.
COMPETENCIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
Core Competencies:
Leadership, Vision, Alignment with Company Mission
Grazing Management and Stockmanship
Personnel Acquisition, Alignment, Retention, Mentoring
Financial Control and Administration
Initiative/Gumption/Adaptability (as a working manager)
Openness to New Ideas (non-traditional techniques of ranch management)
Relationship Building, Public Relations
Understanding and appreciation for Scientific Research in a practical setting
SPECIFIC SKILLS/ABILITIES
Ability to successfully manage a large Turner ranch consistent with the Institute Mission Statement: “To Research, Practice, and Disseminate sustainable strategies and techniques for Conserving Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Rural Communities”.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with ability to apply relationship skills, diplomacy, and common sense/wisdom to a wide variety of problem-solving situations.
- Ability to understand and manage the diverse components of a complex operation and ecosystem, including bison production with planned grazing management, noxious weed control, and wildlife/bison interactions.
- Ability to analyze challenges and opportunities and make sound recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to develop and manage fiscally sound budgets.
- The Ranch Manager must be willing and able to perform manual as well as administrative tasks.
- 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; Ability to meet deadlines.
- 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.
- Communication – Effectively communicates through verbal, written, and electronic forms.
- Professionalism – Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments;
- Represents the ranch and TEI in a professional and respectful manner.
- 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. Wears appropriate PPE.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Ranch Manager will live on the Ranch, approximately 30 miles (via road) from Gordon, NE. K-12 school is Gordon/Rushville, NE; no bus service is provided. The Ranch Manager’s accommodation is a large single-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. A small 2-stall detached garage is adjacent to the house. The Ranch office is located in the same yard, as is the fully furnished 2-bedroom bunkhouse.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
A four-year degree in Agriculture or Natural Resources is required with an emphasis in Range and Livestock Management or Range Ecology. A Master of Science degree in a relevant field is preferred.
Five years of experience in production agriculture is preferred. Livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is required. Heavy equipment operations experience is preferred. ATV experience is preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The candidate must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The candidate must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
The candidate must have the ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. The candidate must have the ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
REASONING ABILITY
The candidate must have the ability 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, and 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.
Responsibilities:
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 is frequently required to climb ladders, pipe corrals, and windmill towers. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 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.
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 in a remote location. A cell phone and ranch radio are provided for communication.
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 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.tedturner.com.
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.
Estimated Salary: Negotiable
To Apply: Please contact Melanie Manns.
Ranch Contact Name:
Melanie Manns
melanie.manns@tedturner.com || 404-522-3199
Website: www.tedturner.com