Water Well / Bison Technician

Turner Enterprises Inc.•Raton, NM

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Well / Bison Technician is a dual faceted position where time is split between working with the Bison Department and the Natural Resources Department on Vermejo Park Ranch. The position is vital to both the bison and the wildlife on the ranch. About half of your time will be spent checking, testing, repairing, and developing water systems such as windmills, solar wells, wildlife (rain catchment) guzzlers, storage systems, and tanks from pipelines. The other half of your time will be spent working with the Castle Rock bison herd as part of the ranch’s Bison Department. This will include open range and pasture moves, Bison Works (sorting, vaccinating, shipping, etc.), checking on bison, and feeding while bison are in the corrals. Turner Enterprises and Vermejo Park Ranch embrace low stress stockmanship when handling bison, and any applicant for the position must be well versed in modern low-stress livestock handling methods or be willing to attend courses (company provided) on the subject. You must be able to work alone for extended periods of time in remote areas.

Requirements

A high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
At least three years of related experience and / or training
Experience in livestock care and low-stress animal handling
Experience operating heavy equipment and ATVs/UTVs
Basic computer skills, including preparation of reports and spreadsheets
This position requires operation of vehicles, and you’ll need to possess a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Your driving record will need to meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company’s insurance provider
You’ll need to present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire pursuant to federal law

Nice To Haves

Experience with wind/solar well repair, flood irrigation, and general maintenance of equipment
Relevant bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources or a related field

Responsibilities

Managing and responding to written and verbal work orders from management.
Maintaining and monitoring inventory; ordering supplies and parts for water systems as needed.
Scheduling routine service and repairing of wind and solar wells.
Maintaining written and/or digital records of repairs performed and parts used.
Assisting in the design, development and execution of water systems & distribution projects that support both wildlife and livestock, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
Troubleshooting and repairing pumps, pipelines, water troughs, and other irrigation infrastructure.
Ensuring all equipment related to water systems and bison management is in good working order and complies with safety standards.
Pump testing wells for water production prior to installing solar equipment.
Handling fence construction and installation around water infrastructure.
Safely operating, inspecting and maintaining a variety of ranch equipment, including ATVs, UTVs, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Developing and maintaining fences, water sources, corrals, ranch buildings, and other ranch infrastructure.
Moving/Handling bison in the pasture and corrals using low stress techniques on foot, ATV or UTV.
Feeding bison (hay, cake, salt, and mineral) in corrals.
Maintaining record of grazing activity, range health, feeding and feed inventories.
Performing general ranch work.
Using herbicides as appropriate and assigned for weed management.
Participating in bison handling, including herd movements, tagging, and vaccination.
Using a welder, cutting torch, and other shop equipment safely.
Performing range monitoring and handling grazing planning.
All other duties and projects as assigned.