Private
Columbine Ranch is located in Jefferson, Colorado, nestled at 10,000 feet near Kenosha Pass and the Continental Divide. The Caretakers report to the Ranch Manager, who is also the co-owner. While it is an operating ranch of about 2,100 acres with horses, cattle, a variety of fowl, other livestock, hay production, and other ranch-related operations, it is first and foremost a family home. The main focus of the Caretakers work is supporting the family’s use of the Ranch, being conscientious stewards of the environmental and historic treasures in their charge, while being responsible for operations of the ranch at all times. The Caretakers’ most important attribute is the ability to move comfortably within these roles. The job described below envisions a team of people with varied skills and knowledge working to care for The Columbine Ranch while supporting the family and their mission.
The team consists of 3 full-time ranch positions, and other more specific part-time or seasonal roles. Each of the Caretakers at the Ranch will have different areas of the operations that are their primary focus, including different animals over which they have greater control. Despite these divisions all of the Caretaker must understand that the care for the entire Ranch is their responsibility and if one person is sick, or unable to complete jobs on their own, it is the job of every other Caretaker to step in and get the task done. The Caretakers are expected to carefully consider the cost of every decision made regarding the Ranch, including hiring someone else to complete a task that the Caretakers, or other team members, have the knowledge and skills necessary to complete on their own. We all have more to learn and it is hoped that Caretakers will take advantage of any opportunity to learn new skills, whether by observing and participating in tasks to learn from outside hires, attending courses and workshops on specialty subjects, or through direct coaching from experts. Ranch Manager/co-owner will support these opportunities as they enable the Caretakers to better fulfill their role.
This is not, and cannot be, a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday job. Any person with the right to be on the property must be able to expect the Caretakers aid when unexpected difficulties or unsafe situations arise. As Caretaker there can be no question of “being off the clock” if one of our animals is in need of care. The nature of the job also requires work hours to change throughout the year as the seasonal shifts make some tasks impossible while others that were previously unimportant become essential.
Responsibilities for Ranch Operations:
Hire and supervise ranch hand(s), and find and coordinate specialists to do specific work on the property as needed. Extra hands will be needed at various times to assist Caretakers with ranch work, and to fill in for caretakers during approved time off (holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days). Caretakers must prepare wranglers and ranch hands to follow verbal or written instructions, and ensure that they are fully prepared for any tasks they are expected to perform. In non-emergent situations the Owner/Manager will be consulted before bringing in any new help.
Provide care for the livestock on the Ranch using their own judgment to discern what is needed for the animals under their purview. Ensure all animals receive any individual care they might need, (ie specific treatments for horse with arthritis, sheering for alpacas). The Caretakers’ judgment, knowledge and wisdom will be counted upon when decisions need to be made. In addition to seeking expert advice, each Caretaker must listen to the insights of other team members whose experience will naturally differ from the individual team member who has more involvement with the animal in question. The wisdom of the Caretaker’s own experience, will all be part of providing care for livestock on a routine daily basis, as well as on an emergency basis. Ranch owners will count on the Caretaker’s to continue their individual education in the areas specific to the animal breeds they are direct responsibility for. Caretaker’s must be able to discern when more specific expert advice or skills are required, and take initiative to find the specialist who fill the need. Caretakers must also ensure that anyone hired to work with the animals on the ranch is fully qualified for the job they are given.
When needed train livestock, and prepare livestock for breeding, and/or culling and butchering. The Caretaker’s will be thought partners with Ranch Owners for ways to maximize the benefit of the animals to the Ranch. Though Caretaker’s may not individually participate in the slaughter or butchering of an animal they must be willing to support this part of the job by helping to select and prepare the animal(s) in question as well ensure the team has access to the correct tools, experts, and other resources for safe and humane butchering of livestock. Caretaker’s will also be required to assist with the breeding (when appropriate) of the animals under their care and cultivating new livestock to increase the health and overall benefit to the work of the ranch. Caretaker’s will also be relied upon to train the animals under their purview to the extent that is appropriate to the species, and to assist in the training and socializing of any other livestock even if the species, breed or herd is more directly managed by another team member.
Work ranch horses regularly. Caretaker’s will each provide exercise and care for the horses. The Caretaker’s who directly oversees the equine work of the Ranch will provide training for horses and guidance for the ranch team regarding the purchases or sale of horses and which horses are best suited to which task/rider on the property. Other Caretaker’s will support this work and help with training both the horses and riders to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the Ranch and nearby trails. Caretakers should be prepared to ride with beginners, intermediate riders and experts. Caretakers will have the opportunity to receive instruction in horsemanship to further their own skill and expertise.
Oversee a full cycle hay operation, from harrowing to sale. Coordinate with the team around harvesting, find and coordinate with buyers to sell the hay. Store hay and ensure preservation before sale. Seasonally harrow horse pastures.
Provide ongoing property maintenance. Maintain fence lines. Keep ranch equipment, tools, and vehicles in good working order. Plow the road and remove snow around the house. Maintain livestock and household wells. Ensure functionality of septic systems, water heaters, hot tub, and heating systems. Measure/record water flow through the north pasture; report to the water commissioner. Provide up-keep for buildings and grounds. Carry out or supervise improvements as required or requested.
Caretakers are expected to place a high value on conservation. The Columbine Ranch borders the national forest, and the wild animals who are our neighbors must be considered when any decisions about the property and it’s use are being made. While the safety of the people and animals who stay on the ranch is paramount, we are determined to keep our presence respectful and appreciative of the natural world.
Office and Financial Responsibilities
Caretakers are expected to understand and help plan and keep the Ranch budget. Caretakers for The Columbine Ranch will work with a finance team to create and monitor the Ranch expenses and annual budget, participating in monthly priority meetings with Owner/Manager the finance team and others ranch team and family members when appropriate or desired. Caretakers will keep monthly reports of income, expenses and other notable information, following guidelines and formatting as requested by the financial office and Ranch Owners. Propose improvements as far in advance as possible so that options regarding timing, budget and impact on ranch operations and resources can be planned. Submit contracts for any professional services, estimates for work, etc. to Manager in advance of moving forward with project(s). They will work separately and with the family to save money, harbor resources, and when possible, offset expenses with new or increased income.
Keep an online and accessible record of projects, livestock, and equipment. Caretakers must list and track all current and future projects including regular maintenance, and planned improvements or repairs, on all buildings, vehicles, and pastures. Caretakers must also keep a running record of care provided and needed for livestock. Create and maintain a full inventory of what tools, equipment and other resources are available to avoid waste.
A computer will be provided to fit the requirements of the many aspects of caring for the Columbine Ranch. Caretakers will work with a family member or an IT provider to troubleshoot problems related to computer hardware and software, as well as local internet connection, and other technological issues.
Qualifications —No one person has all the skills and knowledge needed to run the Columbine Ranch, therefore we have a team of Caretakers who each bring their individual talents and experience to the job.
- Experience with livestock, and love of animals and equestrian work.
- Enthusiastic about environmental stewardship and best practices, such as recycling, water conservation, respect for wildlife, alternative fuels, etc.
- Willingness and ability to perform all physical labor required in running the ranch.
- Experience with machinery, carpentry and construction.
- Computer skills, including spreadsheet and data entry and information management as well as ability to offer basic tech support for people on the ranch.
- Flexible and adaptable in dealing with a wide range of personalities and situations.
- Cheerful, with a good sense of humor, consistently friendly and welcoming to Ranch Owners, family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and members of the community.
- Mature, patient, open-minded, and appreciative of diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, age, as well as political, religious, and social values.
- A self-starter able to work independently, with solid judgment.
- Ability to prioritize, but also multi-task. Adept oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of and experience with first aid for both people and animals. Certified or willing to become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Emergency medical training (EMT) certification is a plus. (Ranch owners will support further training in these areas when deemed beneficial).
Compensation and Benefit Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, life, ADD, and shorthand long-term disability plans.
The organization provides a 401(k) plan and matches 100% of the first six percent of an employee’s annual salary that she/he contributes to her/his plan. Paid Time Off will consist of six weeks annually. However, PTO must be approved in advance by the ranch manager, and the six weeks cannot be taken consecutively. With few exceptions vacations should not be considered during the second half of December or beginning of January or between May and September Other benefits include parental leave, flexible healthcare (including mental healthcare), dependent care spending accounts, and professional development.
Job Type: Full-time, year-round
Pay: $50,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- Extended hours
- Year round work
Work Location: In person
TO APPLY:
Forward cover letter & resume to our email address.
Email
iman@swaneehunt.org
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