Smith River Wilderness Ranch

White Sulphur Springs, MT

General Manager Job Description

Ranch Overview

The Smith River Wilderness Ranch is comprised of approximately 3,040 deeded acres as well as 3,000 acres of US Forest Service, BLM and State grazing. The ranch sits in the foothills of the Little Belt Mountains and functions as a cow/calf operation but primarily as a recreational retreat for the owners, their family and friends. Recreational pursuits include fishing, riding, hiking and hunting.

Agriculturally, the ranch raises approximately 150 to 200 cow calf pairs and raises approximately 300 acres of flood irrigated hay. Agricultural production will be leased to a third party. The Ranch Manager will be responsible for communicating with and monitoring the Agricultural Tenant’s use of the property.

The owners are seeking an experienced manager and partner who exhibit a willing and strong work ethic, managerial skills and a positive, proactive attitude. The ideal candidates will be highly competent, flexible, enjoying a broad range of ranch duties and contact with a variety of people.

Reporting Relationships

The managers will report to the owner and will work closely with their management and financial personnel. A weekly report will be submitted via email to the owner on the status of the ranch and the work undertaken. In addition, the successful candidates will be expected to work efficiently with outside contractors and consultants.

Specific Functions

• The manager(s) will be responsible for the maintenance of ranch infrastructure, fences, buildings and equipment. The manager(s) will be the landowner’s representative in monitoring the agricultural lease. As such, they will ensure the tenant adheres to the terms of the lease and properly manages grazing and agricultural production on the property.
• The manager(s) will be responsible for the care of the owner’s house and keeping areas surrounding the buildings healthy, well-groomed and pleasing to the eye. These duties will include maintaining landscaping, maintaining, and cleaning the owner’s house.
• The manager(s) will be required to operate and maintain standard ranch equipment.
• The manager(s) will also be responsible for looking after and riding the ranch horses (c 3 or 4) so that they are ready to be ridden when the owner is there.
• When needed and approved by the owner, the manager(s) will hire, supervise, and dismiss all part time help, if any.
• The manager(s) is responsible for the financial oversight of the ranch. This includes monitoring and approving/denying monthly expenditures, submitting monthly budget reports and several annual inventory reports. The manager(s) will work with the owner’s comptroller to create and maintain an annual ranch budget and insure that detailed, accurate records are kept of all transactions and activities.
• The manager(s) will be responsible for the maintenance scheduling and upkeep of all residences and outbuildings, vehicles, equipment and tools. The manager will handle the purchase and sale of ranch vehicles and equipment as directed by the owner.
• The manager(s) will, in cooperation with the owners, help develop and maintain the facilities and services required for recreational activities on the ranch. Recreational activities include, but are not limited to fishing, riding, hiking and hunting.
• The manager(s) will be asked to assist with some recreational activities (including riding) and should be comfortable interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds and ages.
• The manager(s) will develop a long-term plan for weed control and forestry management.
• The manager(s) will maintain existing fishery and wildlife habitat improvements.
• The manager(s) will be responsible for ranch security and implementing plans to prevent trespass on the ranch. Year-round surveillance of ranch boundaries is an important aspect of the job.
• The manager(s) will be responsible for representing the owner in the community and maintaining trade accounts as needed. The manager(s) will maintain positive and constructive relationships with local, state and federal agencies. Being an informed, effective, community-oriented advocate for the owner is an important aspect of this position.

In addition

• The manager and/or his partner will be expected to perform home maintenance, cleaning, grocery shopping and some cooking and laundry.
• 3 hours of house cleaning weekly during absence of owner.
• Full deep cleaning of the house prior to the start of the season and owner’s arrival.
• Purchase of food and supplies from Bozeman prior to owner’s arrival.
• During the owner’s stay (8 – 12 weeks in the summer), 4 hours of daily cleaning and meal preparation (5 days/week). Joint meal planning with owner.
• Weekly and as necessary shopping for groceries and supplies locally.

Specific Qualification

• Successful candidates must possess the following traits: proven ranch management and leadership skills, high energy and self-esteem, effective written and oral communication skills, ability to effect change on short notice and be a self-starter with a minimum amount of direct supervision.
• The successful candidates must have the foresight to anticipate issues, problems and the owner’s needs as well as provide guidance and work well with suppliers.
• Successful candidates must have experience in managing a ranch in similar climatic conditions, in the selection and care of horses, agriculture production with irrigation by gravity, habitat management, outdoor recreation, hospitality, employee supervision and financial skills related to operating a ranch.
• Successful candidates must be willing to assist the owner, their family, and guests as may be requested and maintain a safe and inviting atmosphere on the ranch. The successful candidate will always maintain complete confidentiality relative to the ranch, its owners, the owners’ family and their guests.
• Successful candidates will be competent in the operation of computers, be able to communicate via email and be able to build and navigate basic spreadsheets.

Compensation

The owners are prepared to offer a competitive salary and benefits.