Fields Ranch Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead Ranch Operations Across a 1,000+ Acre Property

Thompson Thrift is seeking a dependable Ranch Labor Foreman to support landscape, farm, grounds, and general property operations across a 1,000+ acre ranch. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for an experienced professional who enjoys working outdoors, leading crews, operating heavy equipment, and maintaining large rural properties. As a Ranch Labor Foreman, you'll play a vital role in keeping the property safe, productive, and well-maintained while working alongside a dedicated team.

Your Role as a Ranch Labor Foreman

As the Ranch Labor Foreman, you will lead daily landscape, farm, and property maintenance activities while working alongside labor crews to complete a wide variety of ranch improvement projects. This position combines leadership with hands-on work, overseeing equipment operation, grounds maintenance, agricultural support, material movement, and general property upkeep across more than 1,000 acres.

You'll coordinate daily priorities, promote safe work practices, and help ensure the ranch remains well-maintained, organized, and operating efficiently throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and work alongside laborers, vendors, contractors, and property team members to complete daily ranch operations.
• Coordinate landscape and grounds maintenance, including mowing, trimming, brush clearing, planting, mulching, watering, erosion control, and seasonal property improvements.
• Direct farm and field activities, including hauling materials, supporting agricultural operations, preparing work areas, and coordinating daily crew assignments.
• Safely operate and oversee tractors, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, forklifts, dump trucks, trailers, utility vehicles, and other heavy equipment.
• Supervise grading, drainage improvements, gravel placement, concrete preparation, road and trail maintenance, fence restoration, and site development projects.
• Coordinate debris removal, tree cleanup, brush clearing, and the safe operation of hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, and landscape equipment.
• Manage the loading, unloading, organization, staging, and inventory of tools, equipment, feed, soil, gravel, mulch, and construction materials.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas while promoting compliance with company safety standards.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, vendors, contractors, and crew members to adapt work plans based on changing priorities, weather conditions, and seasonal ranch needs.
• Coach crew members, monitor work quality, and promote a collaborative, safety-first culture.

Our Ideal Candidate for this Role

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in ranch operations, farm work, landscape maintenance, grounds maintenance, construction labor, heavy equipment operation, trucking, tree service, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience leading or supervising field crews, ranch staff, construction teams, or grounds maintenance personnel.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct crews, assign work, and maintain productivity while promoting a positive team environment.
• Extensive experience operating tractors, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, forklifts, dump trucks, utility vehicles, trailers, and other heavy equipment.
• Working knowledge of landscape maintenance, agricultural operations, grading, drainage improvements, road maintenance, fencing, and general ranch property care.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to inspect equipment, identify maintenance needs, and perform minor repairs when appropriate.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to adjust priorities in a fast-paced outdoor environment.
• Commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead by example while actively participating in daily ranch operations.