Position Title: Whitcraft Division Manager
Name of Ranch/Business: IX Ranch
Location: Big Sandy, MT
Position Description:
The 146,000 acre IX Ranch, established in 1955 by Art and Audrey Roth and Bill and Pinkie Lang is a 4,150 cow/calf and yearling operation located in North Central Montana is seeking a full time couple for the management of one of its four ranch divisions. We are looking for a motivated couple with long-term goals and aspirations of being a part of a “Blue Ribbon” ranching operation. Applicants must have team spirit and a willingness to be a leader.
The Whitcraft division, one of 5 divisions on the ranch, is located 5 miles from the town of Big Sandy, Montana, 90 miles northeast of Great Falls, Montana and 30 miles south west of Havre, Montana. Big Sandy is home to approximately 500 residents and supports a grade school and highschool, grocery store, two bar/restaurants, a post office, sheriff’s office, full service gas station, hospital, nursing home and a home for special needs individuals. There are also 4 churches of variing denominations, a public swimming pool, library, baseball fields, and skate park..
The Whitcraft division position comes with a nice 3 bedroom house with tack studio as well as a large newer attached two car garage. The Whitcraft division manager would be in charge of managing a crew of up to 6 part time employees during the spring calving and summer haying months. During the off-season months management of 3-4 part time employees would be necessary.
Responsibilities:
Human Resources:
- Manage a crew (typically interns) of up to 6 and be responsible for day to day tasks
- Ensure conduct in manner that reflects the overall ranch vision, mission and culture
- Promote safety in all aspects of position and encourage others to be safe
- Refrain from use of vulgar language and subject matter
Livestock Quality Assurance:
- Observe and address animal health and equipment issues. Report attention areas to the COO.
- Ensure buildings, living quarters, cookhouse and work-areas are kept neat and clean.
- Observe ranch policies and procedures to achieve and maintain the highest level of quality and efficiency
- Continue to seek out areas of improvement in the position and operation
- Handle animals humanely and in accordance with Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) standards
Operations:
- Work in conjunction with the COO to help manage crew and accomplish daily tasks
- Ensure all equipment oils checked before breakfast
- Ensure all equipment and tools are fueled and put away at the end of each work day
- Ensure ALL buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicle cabs/beds are neat and clean
- Keep record of all cattle inventory changes, salt and mineral usage, and feed, fuel and equipment maintenance forms.
- KEEP COSTS DOWN i.e. lights off, doors closed, and windows closed, excess fuel usage.
- Communicate with the COO daily to review and plan division objectives/activities/tasks
- Learn and be able to convey IX Ranch SOP’s, grazing patterns, horse training program and cattle handling techniques
- Assist in development and implementation of ranch SOPs and policies
- Attend company staff meetings
- Continue on-going training
- Live a lifestyle compatible with the job requirements
- Act, both on and off the job, in a manner that represents you and IX Ranch Company in a professional manner
- Work as a team and foster a teamwork philosophy
Qualifications:
- Must be a Leader, one who thrives on the success of the entire team
- Must be able to give and take instructions, have good organizational, analytical and teamwork skills
- Must possess good written and verbal communication skills
- Must be flexible with a willingness to redirect energies towards new challenges relating to operational growth and success
- Must be willing to use and understand computer programs such as Word/Excel and Google Docs/
- Sheets and Calendar
- Must be able to ride and work cattle on horseback
- Calving experience a plus but not required
- Must have completed BQA certification (www.mtbqa.org) and Masters of Beef Advocacy training (www.beef.org/mastersofbeefadvocacy.aspx)
- Must have knowledge of cow horse training/handling techniques and be able to, at a minimum “start” colts
- Must have knowledge of low-stress cattle handling techniques by industry leaders such as Bud Williams and Temple Grandin
- Must possess some maintenance skills and the ability to operate machinery
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Estimated Salary & Benefits: Salary will be based on qualifications and experience.
Website: https://www.ixranch.com
To Apply: Please contact Todd Amsbaugh.
Ranch Contact Name:
Todd Amsbaugh
tamsbaugh@ixranch.com || 406-390-3934