Seasonal Ranch Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

The Property Caretaker is responsible for maintaining the overall condition, functionality, and appearance of multiple private properties in the Durango, Colorado area. This role supports ownership by ensuring properties are well-maintained, operationally sound, and prepared for regular use, guests, and seasonal demands.

The Property Caretaker performs hands-on maintenance, coordinates repairs, oversees property systems, and supports land and agricultural activities. This position requires a self-motivated individual with strong mechanical aptitude, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. A high level of discretion, judgment, and respect for privacy is required due to the nature of private residences.

Essential Duties:

• Oversee and maintain the day-to-day condition, upkeep, and appearance of multiple private properties, including homes, barns, shops, outbuildings, and surrounding land.
• Conduct routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and address issues proactively to prevent larger problems.
• Perform basic repairs and preventative maintenance, including light plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical, and mechanical work within skill level.
• Monitor and maintain property systems including HVAC, irrigation, pumps, generators, water systems, and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors and vendors for specialized repairs, ensuring quality and timely completion of work.
• Support seasonal property needs including irrigation startup and shutdown, winterization, snow removal, and storm preparation and recovery.
• Operate and maintain property and ranch equipment, including tractors, trailers, and related implements, ensuring proper servicing and safe operation.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of shops, tools, equipment, and supplies, and track maintenance schedules and inventory needs.
• Perform groundskeeping duties including mowing, landscaping, pasture maintenance, driveway upkeep, and general land management.
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation systems, ditches, and water flow systems.
• Support agricultural lease activities including hay production, grazing coordination, and field preparation, ensuring compliance with property standards.
• Build, repair, and maintain fences, gates, and related ranch infrastructure, and routinely inspect fence lines for needed repairs.
• Serve as the on-site point of contact for contractors, vendors, and service providers, coordinating schedules, estimates, and project completion.
• Assist with errands, supply runs, and procurement of materials and parts as needed.
• Maintain security of all properties by ensuring buildings, gates, and equipment are properly secured and responding to alarms, emergencies, and urgent issues.
• Provide occasional after-hours response during severe weather or urgent property needs.
• Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding property conditions, maintenance needs, and project updates.
• This position is expected to maintain strict confidentiality of company information, employee records, and any sensitive data encountered in the course of work.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of general property maintenance, tools, and equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems, water management, and land or ranch operations.
• Experience operating and maintaining tractors, trailers, and property maintenance equipment.
• Ability to identify issues early and take initiative to resolve them independently.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple properties and priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Basic proficiency with mobile communication tools (phone, text, email) and simple tracking systems.
• Ability to maintain records, checklists, and maintenance logs.
• High level of discretion, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Education and Experience:

• Prior experience in property caretaking, ranching, farming, estate management, or similar field preferred.
• Experience with equipment operation and maintenance (e.g., tractors, trailers) preferred.
• Experience with irrigation systems, fencing, and land management preferred.
• Experience supporting agricultural activities such as haying or grazing preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must meet Driver Acceptability Profile requirements (driving position).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments across multiple properties.
• Regular exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, dust, and uneven terrain.
• Use of tools, machinery, and equipment required.
• Occasional extended hours may be required based on seasonal demands, weather events, or urgent property needs.
• Physical activity including standing, walking, bending, lifting, climbing, and operating equipment is required (frequent lifting up to 50 pounds).

Additional Information:

• Pay Grade: S1
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Employment Category: Regular Full-Time
• Safety Sensitive Position: Yes
• The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
• The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
• Dugan Production is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
• The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities.
• Employment with Dugan Production Corp. is considered at will, meaning that either the company or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without cause or notice.