OH Ranch Foreman

The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes our western heritage, cultures, and community spirit with a vision to create a world-class, year-round gathering place for the community. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a Board of Directors with over 2,500 passionate volunteers and 1,200 year-round employees.

As an organization that exists for the benefit of the community, inclusion and equity are woven into our core values of western hospitality, pride of place, integrity, and commitment to the community. The world-class, year-round gathering place we have built for the community also welcomes visitors from around the world and those who are new to the local community. We know that blending diverse cultures with our long-standing traditions makes community spirit thrive.

Position Summary:

The Calgary Stampede is looking for a versatile and adaptable Ranch Foreman to join our OH Ranch team. We are looking for someone who is capable of fostering teamwork while managing and performing a variety of responsibilities. The Ranch Foreman will take the lead in their area of expertise but must also possess the skills and willingness to perform work in all areas of operations.

As a member of the Agriculture Department, the OH Ranch Foreman will collaborate with the ranch team to execute the day-to-day operations of the OH Ranch.

Reporting to the Ranch Manager, this position is responsible for:

• Cattle operations utilizing low stress livestock handling practices & reporting on input costs for feed and supplements
• Range stewardship which includes range monitoring and assisting in the planning and execution of grazing strategies
• Ranch maintenance, improvement projects and other associated duties
• This position will also participate in public events, education and public outreach programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Ensuring successful completion of day-to-day operations on the ranch including feeding of all livestock and monitoring inventory levels for all livestock supplies
• Assisting in the evaluation and purchase of new livestock, making recommendations to enhance the breeding program and to the retention and release of ranch livestock
• Managing and practicing animal husbandry through your ability to recognize and treat herd health issues, administration of practical veterinary care including; administering vaccinations, doctoring in the pasture and corrals, proficient use of dart gun, etcetera
• Maintaining records of all cattle inventory changes, salt, mineral & feed usage, and animal medication forms
• Handling animals humanely in accordance with the Calgary Stampede’s animal care code of practice and low stress handling techniques
• Execution of the grazing Management Plan to improve effectiveness and efficiency in managing grasslands which includes the use of electric fencing
• Performing land stewardship practices such as weed management & control
• Supervising, training and delegating responsibilities to day hands
• Collecting and presenting data on livestock impacts to rangeland and riparian areas
• Ensuring the safety of all animals and employees on the ranch
• Problem solving and work independently in the absence of the Ranch Manager
• Provide recommendations for infrastructure and operational requirements to the Ranch Manager
• Responsibly operating and performing repairs and general maintenance to ranch vehicles, equipment, mechanical systems, corrals, fences, water sources, buildings and ranch yard
• Safely operating and maintaining heavy equipment with various attachments, including ATV & UTV such as tractors, processors, snow removal equipment, skid steer, post pounder, feed trucks and hydraulic chute.
• Participation in OH Ranch tours and events, as required
• Monitoring of and reporting on condition/potential disturbances on ranch property
• Working effectively with and maintaining a positive working relationship with staff and the local community
• Acting, both on and off the job, in a way that represents the OH Ranch and Calgary Stampede in a professional manner
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate is proactive, optimistic, capable of multitasking and is an independent thinker with the know how to reach appropriate conclusions in a remote setting in the absence of the OH Ranch Manager, including working effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a diploma or certificate in an agriculture related field as well as the following:

• Three to five years of ranch and livestock experience and familiarity with low stress handling experience that meets industry standards
• Must be self-motivated with strong initiative and be able to work alone in a remote area
• At least two years of supervisory experience is an asset
• Mechanical, electrical, general maintenance knowledge and experience are required
• Class 1 Drivers License with…