Hall and Hall

    JY Bagby Ranch

    Walden, CO

    Manager Job Description

    Ranch Overview

    The JY Bagby Ranch is comprised of approximately 3,030 deeded acres as well as 1,160 acres of BLM grazing. The ranch leases out seasonal grazing for 500 yearling cattle, produces 1,150 tons of meadow grass hay, and serves as a recreational retreat for the owners, their family, and friends. Recreational pursuits include fishing, riding, hiking, and hunting.

    Approximately 40% of the JY Bagby Ranch is flood irrigated pasture and hayland. As such, irrigation management and development are important components of the manager’s duties. Significant improvements have been made to the irrigation infrastructure and the ranch owners plan to continue developing and improving the irrigation resources.

    The general manager shall exhibit a willing and strong work ethic, managerial skills, and a positive, proactive attitude. The general manager will offer a high degree of competence in all aspects of management, flexibility in dealing with owner requirements and goals, and will be responsible for a broad range of ranch duties and contact with a variety of people.

    Reporting Relationships

    The manager will report to the owner and will work closely with owner’s advisors and accounting personnel. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to collaborate efficiently with outside contractors and consultants.

    Specific Functions

    • The manager will oversee the annual grazing lease and hay production on the ranch.
    • The manager will be responsible for optimizing the growth of summer feed at the ranch, including seeding, weed control, and fertilizing as may be beneficial; and the operation, improvement and maintenance of ranch infrastructure, irrigation systems, fences, buildings, and equipment as required to support various ranch objectives.
    • The manager will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all ranch fences. The manager will assist in lay out and design of new fence projects. They may be called on to assist contractors in building new fences. When needed, the manager may be called on to rebuild existing fences or construct new interior fences.
    • The manager will collaborate with and oversee contractors working on irrigation improvements. The manager will be responsible for constructing and installing slide gates, where needed, for optimal management of irrigation water.
    • The manager will work with the owner and owner’s advisors to develop annual operating and capital budgets; and will take the lead to formulate and recommend specific operational and capital strategies to generate sustainable profits and mitigate risk.
    • The manager will be responsible for keeping roads and areas surrounding the buildings healthy, well-groomed and pleasing to the eye, including snow plowing and/or snow blowing/removal in the winter months, and all maintenance of irrigation ditch and other systems periodically cleaned and improved to allow for the maximum benefit of flow during the growing season.
    • The manager will be required to operate and maintain standard ranch equipment.
    • When needed and approved by the owner, the manager will hire, supervise, and dismiss all full-time or part-time help.
    • The manager is responsible for the day-to-day financial oversight of the ranch, subject to spending authority as may be granted by the owner. This oversight includes monitoring monthly expenditures, submitting monthly budget and inventory reports, submitting operational and capital expenditure requests including rationale and economic benefit assessment if appropriate, and working with vendors to ensure pricing is competitive and delivery of quality of products and services. The manager will work with the owner’s accountants and others to track expenditures, and answer questions as needed.
    • The manager will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, scheduling and upkeep of all residences and outbuildings, vehicles, equipment, and tools. The manager will oversee the purchase and sale of ranch vehicles and equipment as directed by the owner.
    • The manager will, from time to time, be available to support recreational activities at the request of the owner.
    • The manager will develop and implement a long-term plan for grazing management and weed control.
    • The manager will maintain existing fishery and wildlife habitat improvements.
    • The manager will be responsible for ranch security and implementing plans to prevent trespass on the ranch. Year-round surveillance of ranch boundaries is an important aspect of the job.
    • The manager will be responsible for administering the ranch’s obligations for its BLM grazing permit and will represent the ranch with the BLM locally.
    • The manager will be responsible for representing the owner in the community and maintaining trade accounts as needed. The manager will maintain positive and constructive relationships with local, state, and federal agencies. Being an informed, effective, community-oriented advocate for the owner is an important aspect of this position.
    • Display effective written and oral communication skills including a good grasp of practical economics and numbers, ability to effect change on short notice and be a self-starter with a minimum amount of direct supervision.
    • Exercise foresight to anticipate issues, problems and the owner’s needs as well as provide guidance and work well suppliers.
    • The manager must be willing to assist the owner, their family, and guests as may be requested and maintain a safe and inviting atmosphere on the ranch, and always maintain complete confidentiality relative to the ranch, its owners, the owners’ family and their guests.

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