What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ranch Technician position at Turner Enterprises Inc.?
Job Description
Employer: Turner Enterprises, Inc.
Supervisory Position: No
Job Title: Ranch Technician
Location: Nenzel, Nebraska
Division: Spikebox Ranch
Home Department: Bison
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes
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.
The mission statement, “To manage Turner Lands in an economically sustainable and environmentally sensitive manner while promoting the conservation of native species and habitats”, directs our 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 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 provide an atmosphere where 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
Spikebox Ranch encompasses roughly 140,000 deeded acres in Cherry County, NE. The ranch ecosystem is Sandhills Mixed-Grass Prairie, characterized by grass-covered sandhills interspersed with large wet meadow complexes. The primary ranch operation is bison production (cow/calf and yearling) and grazing management of approximately 4,000 animal units as well as very limited commercial hunting (deer). The Ranch participates in many research and conservation projects, including Blowout Penstemon establishment and wetland/wet meadow restoration.
The ranch has two headquarters, with the Spikebox HQ located 40 miles south of Nenzel, NE or 70 miles southwest of Valentine, NE with 20 of those miles being single lane oil strip and gravel roads.
Spikebox HQ is located 35 miles northwest of Mullen, NE or 75 miles southwest of Valentine, NE with 20 of those miles being single lane oil strip and gravel roads. Mullen offers K-12 schools with a school bus to the door of the Spikebox HQ.
Valentine, NE is a major regional service centers with most amenities (Hospital, K-12 school, Grocery and hardware stores, movie theater, implement and auto dealers, etc.).
The mission of Spikebox Ranch is to raise healthy, productive bison; conserve native biodiversity and promote long-term range health; provide an environment where people enjoy living and working; and grow profitability of the business. The goal of the ranch is to harvest native forage in a manner that improves ecological health, promotes biological diversity of native species, and produces positive economic returns from high quality bison production.
Ranch staff work as a collaborative team, with ownership of their roles and responsibilities. The Ranch values teamwork and innovation, sharing new ideas amongst our team as well as through collaborative work with other Turner ranches and outside partners.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties of the Ranch Technician relate to grazing and rangeland management, bison movement and processing, and infrastructure development and maintenance. A high level of interest and skill in low stress livestock handling is necessary. The Ranch Technician will operate and maintain ranch, farm, and construction equipment. Frequent tasks include construction and maintenance of permanent fence and temporary electric fence. The ability to safely use ATVs and UTVs to perform ranch work, including moving bison, is required.
Ranch Technician job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Move/Handle Bison in the pasture and corrals using low stress techniques on foot, ATV, UTV, or horseback.
- Work with the Ranch Manager or Foreman to develop and execute grazing plans.
- Work with the Ranch Manager or Foreman to develop and execute plans to improve rangeland stewardship through strategic fence and water development.
- Work with the Ranch Manager or Foreman to develop and implement Management Intensive Grazing strategies and practices on wet meadows.
- Work with the Ranch Manager or Foreman on range monitoring, reporting of grazing activity.
- Develop and maintain fences, water sources, corrals, ranch buildings, and other ranch infrastructure.
- Work with the Ranch Manager to complete bison planning worksheets and to review and develop portions of the ranch budget as assigned.
- Report monthly, the assigned grazing activity and range health to the Ranch Manager or his designate.
- Perform range monitoring and grazing planning as assigned.
- Maintain, repair, and install windmills, solar units, and stock tanks.
- Install and maintain permanent and temporary fencing.
- Use welder, plasma cutter, cutting torch, and other shop equipment safely
- Operate tractors, feeding and bale retrieval equipment during hay harvest and bison works, which requires some limited feeding.
- Limited use of herbicides as appropriate and assigned for invasive plant management
- Watch for fires during storms. Suppress wildfires or assist with prescribed fires as necessary.
- Vaccinate livestock using syringes and hypodermic needles or other means.
- Safely operate and maintain vehicles, tractors, and heavy equipment with various attachments.
- Safely operate ATV and UTV.
- Participate in Ranch Safety Program.
- Perform a variety of general ranch work duties.
- Cooperate on other Turner Ranches as needed to accomplish Company goals.
- Other duties as assigned by the Ranch Manager or Foreman.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Competencies and characteristics
- Range management / Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) management / Stockmanship.
- Openness to non-traditional agricultural practices (bison and managed grazing).
- Office and computer skills sufficient to interpret and complete reports and spreadsheets.
- Initiative and Adaptability (able to develop and change work plans as needed).
- Relationship and Team-building attitude.
- Humility and Ability to learn from others.
- Ability to safely operate machinery of all types.
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- 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
Housing and basic utilities are provided by the Company including water, power, propane, local landline telephone and internet access.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Range Ecology, Natural Resources, or related field preferred.
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and minimum of two years related experience and/or training required.
Livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience may include but not limited to tractor, backhoe, dump truck, and dozer. ATV/UTV/Snowmobile experience preferred.
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.
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 tests 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.
Moving and handling bison in corral setting requires walking, running, and climbing pipe corrals for extended periods on uneven terrain. Opening and closing heavy pipe gates in a time sensitive manner while in the presence of bison and performing these duties alone.
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 based in a remote location. 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.
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