Job Annoucement

[Nemont]

When I read this job announcement I couldn't help but to think of all the experts here on SI. Here is a chance to manage about 60,000 acres of public and private land owned by the NC. This ranch is 45 miles south of Malta, Montana and at one time was one of the largest sheep ranches in Montana. It is an interesting place that sits in the foothills of the Little Rocky Mountains. So if you want to move to Montana and instantly have a ranch to manage here is the opportunity. They have advertised this in the local paper for a couple of months.

Matador Ranch Land Manager

TITLE: Matador Ranch Land Manager
SUPERVISOR: Glaciated Plains Program Director
LOCATION: South Phillips County, Montana


SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The primary duties of the Matador Ranch Land Manager are to complete or oversee completion of land management activities on the 60,000 acre Matador Ranch in south Phillips County, Montana. The job is broad in scope, including typical ranch tasks such as building and fixing fences and corrals; operating farm and ranch equipment; flood irrigating hay meadows; controlling weeds; maintaining ranchyards in clean and safe condition; handling and caring for cattle and horses; assisting with prescribed fire; and repairing and maintaining vehicles and facilities. In addition to typical ranch work, the position also requires operating a Global Positioning System unit; maintaining neat and thorough written records; monitoring range and stockwater conditions; writing and administering contracts; using computer spreadsheets to track inventory and budgets; and using various computer programs for word processing and e-mail communication. Excellent communication, budgeting and time management skills are necessary for this job. The Matador Ranch Land Manager will play an important role in the Conservancy's Montana Glaciated Plains Program, and will work as part of a team with other Conservancy staff, neighbors and agency partners on projects associated with the Matador Ranch. The Matador Ranch Land Manager will act as a representative of the Conservancy, and must possess good human relation abilities, integrity, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to the values of The Nature Conservancy. At times, the Matador Ranch Land Manager will be working with others, but much of the time will be spent working alone. Physical requirements of the job include the ability to lift 100 pounds, hike ten miles a day, and carry a 45-pound backpack for extended periods of time. This position is based out of Matador Ranch Preserve, located near Malta, Montana. Occupancy at the Matador Ranch is a requirement of the position. This is a full time, permanent position offering competitive pay and full benefits. The Matador Ranch Land Manager is an exempt, full-time position supervised by the Glaciated Plains Program Director. The Matador Ranch Land Manager supervises seasonal staff and volunteers, and oversees the work of contractors as necessary.

DUTIES:
1. Perform or oversee performance of various tasks typical of ranch management such as fencing, irrigating, spraying weeds, moving and doctoring range cattle, and arranging for and monitoring a hunting program for the public.
2. Maintain facilities, equipment and vehicles in clean and good working order. Reside at the Matador Ranch to provide frequent, regular presence in the ranchyard. Oversee physical care and operation of the Matador Ranch Community Building.
3. Complete or oversee completion of other tasks as requested. Such tasks may include but will not be limited to working on prescribed burns, mapping geographic features with GPS unit, completing range and wildlife surveys, and providing support to science-related projects.
4. Work with Glaciated Plains Program Director to develop and adhere to budget and work plans. Act as purchasing agent and lead contact for Matador Ranch land management activities.
5. Supervise seasonal staff and volunteers working on land management activities.
6. Develop and administer contracts as needed for land management activities, such as new fence construction. Administer grazing and haying leases.
7. Maintain thorough, accurate and neat field records and maps. Complete administrative paperwork promptly and accurately.
8. Maintain constructive, positive relationships with staff, neighbors, partners and visitors to the Matador Ranch.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
2. High school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age.
3. At least seven years ranching experience, or equivalent mix of experience and education.
4. Must be willing and able to lift 100 pounds, carry a 45-pound backpack for up to eight hours a day, and hike ten miles a day.
5. Must be able to carefully follow safety and operational protocols.
6. Experience with fence construction and maintenance, general carpentry, tractor operation, cattle handling and general ranchwork is required.
7. Experience in operating Global Positioning Systems, and in the collection of field data, is highly preferred but not required.
8. Ability to use common computer programs such as Excel, Microsoft Word and Outlook Express is important.
9. Ability to identify common plants and wildlife of the northern Great Plains is helpful.
10. Current certification in first aid and commercial pesticide application is highly preferred but not required.

TO APPLY:
Send letter of application, resume, and list of five references with phone numbers and addresses to:
Linda Poole, Glaciated Plains Program Director
The Nature Conservancy
HC 63, Box 5032
Dodson, MT 59524
(406) 658-2192
Deadline to Apply: December 31, 2004

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

 

[280]

where the hell is our hero Buzz?,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,damn I just read the requirements and arrogance isn`t needed,,,sorry Buzz you are over qualified!

 

[MattK]

Managing a ranch is a 24-7-365 job and would probably take away from his hunting opportunities. Why would a person want to spend that much time at a thankless job, making peanuts. Managing a ranch is a lot of work for little pay and few benefits. I noticed there wasn't a listing on the pay only that it was competitive. Competitive for that industry is probably below minimum. It's a job someone would have love to do inorder to take the working conditions...

 

[Nemont]

I can't believe none of the resident experts on land management didn't jump on this.
Come on the deadline is today.

Nemont

 

[Ithaca 37]

I can't believe none of the welfare ranchers who are always bitchin' about not making any money aren't jumping on this. Sounds like a great opportunity.

 

[mtmiller]

Ha, I just had dinner with Linda Poole (who runs the ranch) last Wednesday. They don't have anyone yet, but they are still looking. She has been on the ranch for 4 years and is taking her first vacation next month. I love my job and all, but I won't make it my life. On the other hand, it is a sweet place and there is always something to do. You won't get rich, thats for sure, but they do allow hunting.

 

[mtmiller]

Woops, two taps there. |oo

 

[Nemont]

mtmiller,
I am only going to say this once. I have hunted out there both before and after the NC got involved with the place and will say the hunting has improved. I worked on that place in highschool stacking hay for the orginal owners, Itcaina Bros., and have been out there to help sheer sheep several times as well. Plus I used to date one of their daughters, but that is a whole other story.

I hope they find someone who wants to only get to town a couple of times a year and enjoys a year round job.

I was just thinking that we had so many expert land managers on the forum who believe ranchers just sit around waiting for the next government paycheck and raking in all that money that they would jump at the chance to live like them.

Happy New Year.

Nemont

P.S. The ducks are still stack in below Fort Peck so if you want to have a duck hunt before Jan. 6th get a hold of me.

 

[1_pointer]

That is a VERY tempting offer, but getting my wife to live in Malta is a VERY tough sell. I think working for TNC would be a very worthwhile endeavor...

 

[Nemont]

1-Pointer,
If getting her to Malta would be a tough sell. It would be an impossible sell if you took her 45 miles south to the middle of nowhere where the ranch house sits. Even when you are in Malta you are not anywhere.

Nemont

 

[1_pointer]

That's why I won't be applying...I value my marriage too much!