Bison Ranch Hand & Caretaker

Big Sky Bison is seeking an experienced, resident Ranch Hand and Caretaker for its small working bison ranch near Vaughn, about 15 miles west of Great Falls, Montana. The owner-managed operation raises a pasture-based herd of as many as 135 bison on 1,200 acres, sells meat and ranch products directly to customers, and hosts a limited number of ranch tours and self-contained RV stays. The caretaker will live on the property and take primary responsibility for consistent daily oversight. Herd, land, and infrastructure work • Check the bison and key fences each day, distribute supplemental cake when required, and communicate changes in herd condition • Help conduct pasture moves, monitor stock-water systems, and support approximately 120 days of winter feeding • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electric and conventional fencing • Maintain the yards and ranch entrance through mowing, trimming, seasonal weed control, snow clearing, and general cleanup • Keep barns, work areas, vehicles, and equipment clean, organized, serviced, and ready to use • Operate ranch equipment such as tractors, loaders, skid steers, UTVs, ATVs, pickups, and trailers safely • Assist with annual bison works, occasional sorting, animal transport, and other owner-directed ranch projects Guest and business support The caretaker also coordinates the ranch's limited overnight RV visits, welcomes guests, explains site expectations, conducts brief ranch orientations, and helps visitors use the farm store or arrange tours. Clear, timely communication by phone, text, email, and mobile apps is essential. This is still primarily a working-ranch role, but respectful hospitality is part of the operation. Experience and working conditions Applicants should bring verifiable farm or ranch experience; direct bison experience is preferred. The work calls for sound judgment around powerful livestock, practical mechanical and handyman ability, careful organization, and prior experience with comparable agricultural equipment. The role requires regularly handling 30-pound feed buckets and occasionally lifting 50-pound mineral bags. A valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable insured personal vehicle, references, and a background check are required. Review the employer's complete live-in eligibility and ranch-safety requirements before applying. Compensation and schedule This is a year-round, part-time commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, arranged around roughly three hours of daily ranch care. The package includes a $2,000 monthly base salary plus a renovated, furnished two-bedroom ranch house, office, and utilities at no charge; the ranch estimates the housing value at another $2,000 per month. Separate, pre-approved projects may occasionally pay $20 per hour but are not guaranteed. Apply directly to owner and ranch manager Michael Botha by email with your experience, availability, and references.