Copper Spur Ranch
Copper Spur Ranch (CSR) is a remote, 1800-acre working cattle and sheep ranch located 38 miles northwest of Vail, CO off Highway 131 between Bond and McCoy. The ranch is nestled amidst over 100,000 acres of undeveloped land, including BLM grazing permits, USFS, State Land Trust, Radium State Wildlife Area, and private properties. CSR is a unique, rustic setting offering a variety of outdoor experiences, from agritourism to hunting and fishing. The ranch is home to a range of livestock, including cattle, ewes, horses, geese, ducks, and laying hens. We operate an agritourism / mini dude ranch business in the summer and fall that offers lodging, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more. We are continuously improving the land by implementing conservation practices, removing invasive trees, controlling invasive weeds and growing more forage for livestock and wildlife.
Position Overview:
Seeking a hardworking and skilled Year-Round Ranch Caretaker to join our team at CSR. The position is full-time for seven months of the year (mid-April to mid-November), with limited part-time work in winter months (less than one hour per day) which would allow the caretaker to purse off ranch work in the winter. The full-time schedule during Spring, Summer and Fall is Tuesday through Saturday, with Saturdays working alongside the owner and an occasional hired crew. Winter duties include livestock care for sheep, horses and chickens, ranch security, and general upkeep. Note that the cattle are owned and managed by a neighboring rancher that leases our hay meadows, some pastures and BLM grazing permits. This position does NOT involve typical cattle ranching duties.
The ideal candidate must be a “people person”, have a great attitude, be physically fit, self-motivated, and capable of safely operating both light and heavy equipment and have horse sense. Caretaker should be comfortable working independently and enjoy providing an exceptional experience for our guests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Wood Cutting and Stacking: Harvest, cut, haul, split, and stack at least 10 cords of firewood from Black Mountain (with additional help).
- Fencing: Tear down old fences, construct new fence and gates and maintain fencing.
- Land Improvement: Operate skid steer and tractor to clear pastures, remove invasive tree species, move dirt, and perform other land management tasks.
- Livestock Care: Daily care for horses, sheep, and chickens (feeding, health checks, winter feeding). Rotate pastures for the sheep flock.
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform mechanical maintenance and cleaning of ranch equipment and vehicles, including the owners’ truck and car.
- Building Maintenance: Repair and maintain barns, houses, and other structures on the ranch.
- Ranch Beautification: Maintain homestead areas, mow, manage weeds, control erosion, and care for the driveway and ditches.
- Guest Services: Provide outstanding guest experiences, including ranch orientations, guided horseback rides, shooting supervision, and upkeep of lodging areas (glamping tent, remote cabin, etc.).
- Crew Supervision: Occasionally supervise and assist with work crews on Saturdays.
Housing and Compensation:
- Year-round housing plus utilities (internet, phone, electricity, propane) provided: For six months of summer and fall, caretaker lives in a 27’ trailer (with electric hook-up). Caretaker lives in the guest house in winter and spring months.
- $28,000 – $32,000 annual salary, depending on qualifications with the opportunity to pursue off ranch work in the winter
- Fishing and hunting privileges.
- Two weeks paid vacation.
- Free boarding for your horse if a gelding (own horse and tack not required).
- Use of ranch washer/dryer and freezer.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license
- Your own health insurance
- Good references
- Must pass a background check.
- Speak English.
TO APPLY:
Forward cover letter & resume to our email address.
Visit website here: https://copperspurranch.com/
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