Ranch Foreman | Little Texas Bison

Bison Foreman

Full Time Regular

Big Lakes County, Alberta, Canada

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employer: Little Texas Bison Ranch Ltd.

Supervisory Position: Yes

Job Title: Bison Foreman

Location: Big Lakes County, Alberta, Canada

Division: South Ranch

Position Type: Full Time / Full Benefits

Housing Provided: Yes

Little Texas Bison Ranch Summary

Little Texas Bison Ranch is one of the largest and most progressive bison operations in Alberta. We take great pride in being at the forefront of research, technology, innovation, conservation, and production in the bison industry. Our mission statement “To unlock the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”, To manage our Land in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner while conserving native species and habitats” provides a solid foundation for how we exercise balanced stewardship of the land while integrating conservation and commerce. We are passionate about improving land health and diversity through innovative grazing practices and conservation management. Our ranches are the model for sustainable ranching practices throughout Alberta and Canada. Low-stress livestock handling is an important component of how we promote the ethical and moral treatment of our animals. We provide an atmosphere in which our employees can grow and progress through work experience, training and community involvement. If you are passionate about sustainable ranching and conservation, come help us make a difference and be part of something great!

Location Summary

Little Texas bison Ranch is located in the Big Lakes County, Alberta, Phase I encompasses 2,850 acres of some of the best agricultural land in the area, Phase II brings in just over 6500 acres, bringing the ranch to almost 10,000 acres. This land has all been traditionally farmed and ranched with cattle. Big Lakes County is well-known for its trophy big game hunting, fishing, adventure and nature tourism, natural resources stewardship, sustainable forestry, oil production, and endangered species restoration. If you seek a challenging and rewarding opportunity to manage bison in a beautiful remote setting, willing to work hard, and join our family. This is for you.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The Bison Foreman will work directly with executive management who reside on the ranch, Ranch Manager in the development of goals and strategies for ranch operations that include, regenerative agriculture, rotational grazing, and pasture management, on ranch feeding, capital improvements, conservation projects, and ranch maintenance. Additionally, the Bison Foreman is responsible for all aspects of bison conservation management on the Ranch including the welfare of the bison herd, grazing management, and daily herding of bison on a fenced area of 6,500 acres. The Bison Foreman duties are primarily herding of the bison in continuity with an established grazing management plan. The herd is managed following conservation guidelines and consists of approximately 5321 bison or more, as well as yearlings grazing with the herd as forage conditions allow.

As a Bison Foreman, the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Responsible for the maintenance of the fence, water well repairs, equipment maintenance and upkeep, as well as oversight and property maintenance of Ranch.
Ensure for the welfare of the bison herd.
Herding of the bison herd using low stress stockman ship to increase utilization of the ranch in adherence of the grazing management plan.
Manage annual works to vaccinate, pregnancy check, sort, and properly identify all bison, assuring low-stress livestock handling and humane treatment is always observed.
Conduct on-ranch bison backgrounding and/or feeding operations to prepare animals for shipping directly to slaughter.
Coordinate bison placements and slaughter arrangements.
Coordinate shipping and receiving of bison, including coordinating freight, and loading/unloading of animals.
Order and receive supplement deliveries.
Assist in developing a bison grazing plan based on pasture monitoring and herd requirements. Track and record bison grazing utilization.
Maintain fencing and plumbing necessary for bison operations.
Assure that all Bison Division infrastructure and equipment are properly maintained.
Coordinate with ranch management the maintenance and construction of windmill and solar wells for bison watering.
Assist with collection and compiling of weather and pasture data.
Oversee landscaping, maintenance, and operations at the ranch.
Operate heavy equipment to clean corrals, feed, mow, and other duties as needed.
Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Conduct regular safety meetings and ensure for a safe working environment.
Handle the recruitment and hire process of new employees as needed. Supervise employees as needed and budgeted within the Bison department.
Manage the administrative duties of budget management and monthly reporting.
Maintain regular and open communication with ranch management.
Other duties as assigned by ranch management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has supervisory responsibilities. The Bison Foreman will assist in the supervision of 1-3 full time employees of the day-to-day operations.

Competencies And Characteristics

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers
and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; works well alone.
Project Management - Coordinates projects, communicates changes and progress; Ability to meet deadlines
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
Computer Skills- Have a working knowledge of or be willing to learn supplied software.
Communication – Effectively communicates through verbal, written, and electronic forms.
Professionalism - Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments; Represents the ranch in a professional and respectful manner.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Wears appropriate PPE.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Independent and Self-starter – Able to work remotely and independently to achieve the management goals and outcomes which have been communicated.

Accommodations

A three bedroom/two-bathroom house with paid utilities (water, gas, electric) is provided.

Education And / Or Experience

Five years of experience in Production Agriculture is highly preferred. Livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operations and basic equipment maintenance, ATV, cutting and welding experience and livestock fencing experience is highly desirable.

Language Skills

The candidate must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English. Interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The candidate must have the ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills

The candidate must have the ability to count to twenty without taking off shoes. Candidate must have the ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. The candidate must have the ability to perform these operations using units of Canadian money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability

The candidate must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

If position requires operation of a vehicle, the employee must possess a valid Alberta Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment. The employee’s driving abstract must meet the standards and requirements of Little Texas Bison Ranch and the Company's insurance carrier.

Other Qualifications

The employee must adhere to Company and Ranch policies and procedures, which will be included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
The employee must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to all provincial and federal laws.
The candidate may be subject to undergo pre-employment drug & alcohol test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work). Random drug or alcohol tests are given throughout the year.
The employee must have a personal vehicle to travel from ranch location to local town for personal needs.
The Company operates as a drug free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the ranch property other than designated areas, to include but is not limited to, ranch housing, ranch vehicles, ranch offices or on ranch machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to climb ladders, pipe corrals, and windmill towers. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This position is located in a remote location. A ranch radio will be provided for communication and is required every day for work.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be alert and aware of dangers that are present while working on a ranch and its surroundings.

Little Texas Bison Ranch Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.