Assistant Ranch Manager

Big Timber, Montana

Overview

This is a diversified cow/calf operation near Big Timber, Montana running approximately 1,000 mama cows, along with 300 replacement heifers and approximately 200 commercial bulls raised each year for sale. The operation also runs a fall embryo program that puts embryos in 500 cows. Much of the cattle work, including pairing out, branding, and moving cattle between pastures, is done horseback. On the farming and irrigation side, the operation includes 33 pivots, 400 acres of corn grown for silage, and roughly 1,200 acres of hay ground. The owner is hands on and works alongside the crew. This role is built for someone ready to grow into more responsibility over time, including leading a crew during feeding and haying season and taking ownership of certain aspects of the operation, such as managing the pivots.

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

A genuine path to grow into more responsibility over time, including leading a crew during feeding and haying season and taking ownership of the pivot program
A true horseback operation, with regular time in the saddle throughout much of the year
Varied, hands on work across cattle, hay, corn ground prep, and irrigation so no two days look the same
An owner who works alongside the crew and never asks more of you than they ask of themselves
Modern, well maintained equipment, with most repairs handled in house
Newly remodeled, nice housing provided
Two weeks paid time off annually
Rotating weekend coverage outside of spring calving, so time off is protected and predictable
Families welcome. Spouses and kids are part of the culture here, not an inconvenience
A vehicle provided for work use
Medical insurance provided for the employee

Responsibilities

Lead a feeding crew of two to three team members, who feed approximately 1,000 spring calving cows, 300 replacement heifers, 200 commercial bulls, and up to 500 fall calvers through the winter feeding season, using a tractor and mixer wagon
Assist with preg checking and preconditioning fall calvers and replacement heifers
Participate in calving season, including pairing out on horseback as needed
Lead ground prep for 400 acres of corn each spring and take part in planting
Support cycling and AI work on cows and heifers each spring
Participate in branding across the operation's spring brandings, including roping and dragging calves horseback
Lead the crew during haying season across roughly 1,200 acres, including cutting, baling, and raking
Help manage rotational grazing and move cattle between pastures, often horseback, through the summer
Take primary responsibility for routine maintenance and troubleshooting on the operation's 33 owned center pivots
Support the fall embryo program, including cycling and processing around 500 head each November
Assist with fall weaning and preconditioning
Perform basic equipment repairs independently and know when and who to call for larger issues

Qualifications

10+ years of hands on ranch experience
Able to work independently on assigned tasks with minimal oversight
Strong mechanical aptitude for pivot troubleshooting and basic equipment repair
Experience with hay equipment and corn ground work, or a strong willingness to learn
Comfortable working cattle on foot, horseback, or from a tractor cab as needed
Honest, dependable, and able to communicate clearly when a task is incomplete or needs support
Open to Relocation

Compensation and Benefits

$62,000 to $72,000 annually, depending on experience
Newly remodeled, nice housing provided
Vehicle provided for work use
Medical insurance provided for the employee
Two weeks paid time off annually
Eligible for bonus
Owner will feed working horses