Smith River Wilderness Ranch Manager

Hall and Hall•White Sulphur Springs, MT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Smith River Wilderness Ranch is a 3,040-acre deeded property with approximately 3,000 acres of additional US Forest Service, BLM, and State grazing. Located in the foothills of the Little Belt Mountains, it operates as a cow/calf ranch and primarily serves as a recreational retreat for the owners, their family, and friends. The ranch raises approximately 200–250 cow/calf pairs and produces hay on approximately 300 flood-irrigated acres. Agricultural production will be leased to a third party; the Ranch Manager will communicate with and monitor the agricultural tenant’s use of the property. The manager will report to the owner, work closely with the owner’s management and financial personnel, submit weekly email reports, and coordinate with outside contractors and consultants. The role oversees ranch infrastructure and equipment, the owner’s house and grounds, agricultural lease compliance, horses, recreational facilities, habitat, security, budgets, records, and community relationships. The manager will also assist the owner, family, and guests with recreational activities and hospitality, and perform or arrange specified household duties, including cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, and laundry. The owners seek an experienced, proactive manager or management team with a strong work ethic, leadership and communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work independently. Compensation includes a competitive salary and benefits.

Requirements

Proven ranch management and leadership skills.
High energy and self-esteem, effective written and oral communication skills, and a proactive, self-starting approach with minimal direct supervision.
Ability to effect change on short notice and anticipate issues, problems, and the owner’s needs.
Ability to provide guidance and work effectively with suppliers.
Experience managing a ranch in similar climatic conditions.
Experience selecting and caring for horses.
Experience with agricultural production using gravity irrigation.
Experience in habitat management and outdoor recreation.
Experience in hospitality and employee supervision.
Financial skills related to operating a ranch.
Willingness to assist the owner, family, and guests as requested and maintain a safe, inviting ranch atmosphere.
Computer competence, including email communication and building and navigating basic spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

Maintain ranch infrastructure, fences, buildings, equipment, residences, outbuildings, vehicles, and tools, including scheduling maintenance and upkeep.
Represent the landowner in monitoring the agricultural lease, ensuring the tenant complies with its terms and properly manages grazing and agricultural production.
Care for the owner’s house and maintain the surrounding grounds and landscaping; clean and maintain the house.
Operate and maintain standard ranch equipment.
Care for and ride approximately three or four ranch horses so they are ready for the owner to ride.
Hire, supervise, and dismiss part-time help when needed and approved by the owner.
Oversee ranch finances, including monitoring and approving or denying monthly expenditures, submitting monthly budget reports and annual inventory reports, and working with the owner’s comptroller on the annual ranch budget and accurate records.
Handle the purchase and sale of ranch vehicles and equipment as directed by the owner.
Work with the owners to develop and maintain facilities and services for fishing, riding, hiking, and hunting.
Assist with recreational activities, including riding, and interact comfortably with people of varied backgrounds and ages.
Develop a long-term weed-control and forestry-management plan.
Maintain existing fishery and wildlife habitat improvements.
Manage ranch security, implement plans to prevent trespassing, and conduct year-round surveillance of ranch boundaries.
Represent the owner in the community, maintain trade accounts as needed, and maintain constructive relationships with local, state, and federal agencies.
Perform home maintenance, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry as expected of the manager and/or partner.
Clean the house for three hours weekly while the owner is absent and perform a full deep cleaning before the season and the owner’s arrival.
Purchase food and supplies in Bozeman before the owner arrives and shop locally weekly and as needed.
During the owner’s summer stay of 8–12 weeks, provide four hours of daily cleaning and meal preparation six days per week, coordinate meal planning with the owner, and prepare meals according to the number of people onsite.
Maintain confidentiality regarding the ranch, owners, their family, and guests.
Submit a weekly email report to the owner on ranch status and work undertaken.