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Position Title: Ranch Hand/Laborer

Name of Ranch/Business: Waltrip Ranches/Tres Ritos Ranch (TRR)

Location: Questa, NM

Position Type: Full-Time

About Tres Ritos Ranch:

Tres Ritos Ranch (TRR) is a family owned and operated ranch for over 50 years located near Cerro, New Mexico. TRR is a premier ranching operation settled on 3,100 acres in the picturesque landscape of Northern New Mexico adjacent to both Carson National Forest and Latir Peaks Wilderness Area. TRR is dedicated to the stewardship of our land, livestock, and wildlife that dwell in “la buena vida en la cima del mundo.”

Position Overview:

The Ranch Hand is responsible for the overall management, oversite, and operation of TRR. This position also oversees, caretakes, maintains, upkeeps the ranch land, property, equipment, facilities, livestock, wildlife, and ensures the ranch is operating in accordance with the goals and objectives of the ranch management. Furthermore, the Ranch Hand is responsible for identifying necessary activities related to ranch infrastructure and operations. This position includes, but is not limited to, contract labor supervision, livestock, farming, land and resource management, and oversight of NMDGF EPLUS Elk Private Land Use System. Additionally, the Ranch Hand coordinates with the home office and ownership, and ensures all responsibilities are successfully completed in a timely, efficient, and professional manner. The ideal candidate will be a visionary with a strong background in ranch management, a commitment to natural resource conservation, exceptional leadership skills, and have the characteristics of an honest, competent, dedicated worker, team member, and leader.

Key Responsibilities:

- Land and Resource Management: Implement land management plans that advances the ranch’s unique ecosystems. Oversee farming, forestry, and habitat enhancements.

- Infrastructure Management: Maintain ranch infrastructures such as fences, ponds, roads, corals, water systems, ditches, and irrigation (per federal and state protocol). Note, surface flood irrigation on approximately 200 surface acres diverting from three separate water sources. Maintain and upkeep of all ranch buildings and owner’s private residence and yard. Maintenance of ranch equipment including vehicles and farm equipment. Supervise construction and repairs/maintenance as required. Manage ranch beautification and upkeep of facilities and landscaping projects.

- Record Keeping: Assist home office with any records pertinent to the ranch.

- Animal Husbandry: Oversee the health, nutrition, and overall welfare of the habitat and resources.

- Contract Labor Supervision: Manage contract labor. Ensure a safe and productive work environment.

- Community Relations: Maintain positive relationships with the local community, including landowners, conservation groups, and governmental agencies (including Acequias).

- Security: Monitor security of the property and ensure all gates and buildings are locked. Prevent trespassing and unauthorized ingress and egress.

- Hunting Operations: Oversee EPLUS hunting operations and accommodating guests who are approved and licensed to hunt.

- Responsible for any other tasks assigned by management.

Qualifications:

- Candidates must have extensive knowledge and experience in farm and ranch management.

- Preferred candidate should be bilingual in Spanish.

- Basic computer and technical skills required.

- Ranch Hand preferred to live on-site. Applicant must be comfortable and accustomed to remote country living and location and must be able to acclimate to a base elevation of 7,800 ft above sea level.

- Must be available 24 hours per day (on call for questions, emergencies, etc.).

- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cohesive working relationships with the ownership and home office.

- Competent in completing multiple tasks of differing priorities.

- Thoroughly understand and abide by ranch any and all policies and procedures.

- Required training to be provided by the retiring Ranch Manager.

- Experience with the operations, maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment, tractors, implements, and ranch vehicles.

- Demonstrated experience in animal and wildlife husbandry and sustainable agricultural practices.

- Expertise in water management (including federal and state irrigation practices and Acequias protocol).

- Working knowledge of ranch management principles.

- Experience in raising and harvesting hay, planting, and farming operations.

- Skilled in upkeep/maintenance of ranch buildings, structures, residences, etc.

- Demonstrate a high standard of work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility and diligence.

- Excellent initiative, leadership, independence, decision-making, interpersonal, and communication skills.

- Commitment and loyalty to management and their objectives of TRR.

Pay: $15-$20/hour