Ranch Operations Lead

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Onsite Expected Weekly

Hours:

40

Position Type:
Full-time, non-exempt (hourly), with benefits

Reports to:

Ranch Manager

Compensation : $32 - $40/hour, depending on experience

Position Summary

The Ranch Operations Lead is a full-time, in-house, trades-oriented role at Millstone Valley Ranch, working alongside the property's Generalist under the Ranch Manager. This role is focused on hands-on repair and maintenance work across the property's buildings and systems, groundskeeping and trail upkeep, flexible backup coverage for the property's day-to-day operations, and serving as one of the property's primary on-call emergency responders for after-hours issues.

This is a private residence first and a working ranch second. Every responsibility below is carried out with the same discretion, judgment, and hospitality standard expected of anyone working in close proximity to the family and their guests.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain the property's 30+ named trails, creek corridor, Falls, Pond, and Pool areas to a guest-ready standard, particularly ahead of guest arrivals and the summer season.

Flag maintenance issues, hazards, or contractor follow-up items to the Ranch Manager through the property's operations tracking system.

Bring a strong general trades background (carpentry, basic plumbing/electrical, irrigation, small-equipment repair, or similar) to support building and systems upkeep across the property's residences and outbuildings.

Work directly with the Ranch Manager on more complex or multi-step operational tasks — septic system maintenance, winter work using heavy equipment, routine vehicle fleet maintenance, and similar.

Operate and maintain property vehicles and equipment (utility vehicles, tractors, chippers, and similar) safely and only within the scope of training received.

Provide flexible backup coverage for groundskeeping and light maintenance in the gaps between the landscaping contractor's scheduled visits.

Cover the property's Generalist during PTO, absences, or overflow periods, and vice versa, so core daily grounds work continues without a gap.

Serve as one of the property's primary on-call emergency responders — available to respond to after-hours alarms, water/leak issues, wildlife encounters, storm damage, and similar incidents.

Share weekend and evening on-call rotation, coordinating with the Ranch Manager on escalation.

Support pre-guest and pre-event property readiness — walking trails, common areas, and guest-facing spaces ahead of arrivals, including ahead of the annual Seder dinner and summer guest season.

Present a polished, professional demeanor in any guest-facing moment.

Coordinate with the Ranch Manager on timing so grounds and light-maintenance work doesn't conflict with active guest or retreat use.

Treat all matters relating to the family, their guests, and the property as confidential; exercise sound judgment about what is and isn't appropriate to discuss outside the estate.

Maintain a low-profile, professional presence around the family and visitors — proactive and helpful without being intrusive.

Use good judgment on when to elevate a sensitive situation to the Ranch Manager rather than handling it independently.

Be available for ad hoc needs from ownership, directed through the Ranch Manager, that don't fit a standing contractor's defined scope (errands, move-in/move-out help, one-off projects).

A strong hands-on trades background — carpentry, basic plumbing/electrical, irrigation systems, or general equipment maintenance/repair — or equivalent demonstrated experience.

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, spoken and…