Ranch Manager (Cattle)

Ranch Manager for Montana Cattle Ranch Three Bar Ranch in Central Montana is seeking a hands-on, dedicated and enthusiastic ranch manager to run the daily operations for our 600 cow-calf ranching operation. This is a full-time position located in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains near the town of Buffalo, Montana. The Ranch Manager oversees, maintains and improves the ranch land, property and equipment, cattle, native wildlife and ensures the ranch is operating in accordance with the goals and objectives of the ranch. This is a working manager position while also building and leading a team. Candidate should prefer a lifestyle of country living and must be flexible to work weekends as required for operations. Core responsibilities for the Ranch Manager include the following: General Management: ● Plan, direct and coordinate the management of a 10,000 acre Montana ranch running 600 cow-calf pairs. ● Hire, train, supervise and work alongside 1-2 ranch workers (full and part time) who carry out the day-to-day activities. Establish and maintain a safe and respectful work environment. ● Plan, execute, and report out the status and results of operations and strategic projects to a board of involved family owners on a regular basis (minimum, quarterly). Work with owners on developing annual plans, budgets and bi-annual reviews. ● Maintain strong communication and relationships with owners, ranch workers, neighbors and business partners. Livestock Management: ● Ensure the health and productivity of 600 + cows/heifers, including breeding (with bulls and artificial insemination), calving, branding, feeding, treating, vaccinating, and pre-conditioning. ● Prepare for summer video auction and fall shipping. ● Low stress cattle handling skills. ● Replacement heifer calves. Hay and Feeding: ● Develop and execute grazing plans for optimal utilization of grass resources. ● Supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting and stacking of hay crops, including developing a meadow refurbishment plan. Execute raking and baling operations with staff. ● Forecast hay inventory requirements for winter feeding programs. ● Feed cattle through harsh Montana winters (October through April December through April, as needed). Maintenance and Improvements: ● Develop plans, execute and report on progress for maintaining and improving the ranch’s resources, including water systems, fences, equipment, roads and fields. ● Develop plans, execute and report on new capital improvement projects. ● Weed control. Other Required Skills: ● Hands-on experience operating a cattle or sheep ranch, especially one with calving/lambing. ● Agronomic and range management skills. ● Practical equipment and maintenance skills. A valid driver’s license is a must. ● Ability to work independently and to make sound decisions. Ability to plan, lead and direct ranch workers. ● Strong, clear and timely communication with staff and owners. ● Strong work ethic. Good judgment and resilience in the face of challenges. ● Ability to be available 24 hours per day (on call for questions, emergencies, etc.) Highly Desirable Skills: ● Experience supervising a crew. Track record of planning, leading and directing ranch workers. ● Proven experience maintaining and improving ranch assets (farming machinery, equipment, buildings, water systems, fencing) ● History of effectively communicating with and reporting out to absentee but engaged owners. ● Analytic skills are a plus. Compensation and Benefits: ● Competitive Salary based on qualification ● Attractive Housing (3 bedrooms) ● Healthcare subsidy ● SIMPLE IRA with employer matching ● Other benefits based on experience, to be discussed To Apply, submit: ● Cover Letter ● Resume or summary of your experience that captures why you are a match ● Two professional references/recommendationsSend the above to ranchapply@gmail.com More about us: For more information, see our website: www.threebarranch.com Pay: $70,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Health insurance Work Location: In person