Water Well​/Bison Technician

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Full Time Regular Manual Labor New Mexico Vermejo, Raton, NM, US

3 days ago Requisition

Job Title:

Water Well / Bison Technician

Type:
Full Time / Salary / Exempt / Benefits-Eligible

Housing:
Yes
Do you enjoy wide open spaces, and do you have a passion for preserving them? Have you dreamed of being a part of the largest and most progressive bison operation in the world? At Turner Ranches , we’re dedicated to sustainable ranching and conservation, and we’re looking for talented, like-minded individuals to be a part of our growing team.

Vermejo Park Ranch, a pristine, 560,000-acre bison ranch located in northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado, is seeking an energetic Water Well / Bison Technician who is passionate about water systems, low-stress livestock handling and innovative grazing practices. Learn more about Vermejo Park Ranch .

The Water Well / Bison Technician is a dual faceted position where time is split between working with the Bison Department and the Natural Resources Department on Vermejo Park Ranch. The position is vital to both the bison and the wildlife on the ranch. About half of your time will be spent checking, testing, repairing, and developing water systems such as windmills, solar wells, wildlife (rain catchment) guzzlers, storage systems, and tanks from pipelines.

The other half of your time will be spent working with the Castle Rock bison herd as part of the ranch’s Bison Department. This will include open range and pasture moves, Bison Works (sorting, vaccinating, shipping, etc.), checking on bison, and feeding while bison are in the corrals. Turner Enterprises and Vermejo Park Ranch embrace low stress stockmanship when handling bison, and any applicant for the position must be well versed in modern low-stress livestock handling methods or be willing to attend courses (company provided) on the subject.

You must be able to work alone for extended periods of time in remote areas.

You will also be responsible for:

• Managing and responding to written and verbal work orders from management.
• Maintaining and monitoring inventory; ordering supplies and parts for water systems as needed.
• Scheduling routine service and repairing of wind and solar wells.
• Maintaining written and/or digital records of repairs performed and parts used.
• Assisting in the design, development and execution of water systems & distribution projects that support both wildlife and livestock, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
• Troubleshooting and repairing pumps, pipelines, water troughs, and other irrigation infrastructure.
• Ensuring all equipment related to water systems and bison management is in good working order and complies with safety standards.
• Pump testing wells for water production prior to installing solar equipment.
• Handling fence construction and installation around water infrastructure.
• Safely operating, inspecting and maintaining a variety of ranch equipment, including ATVs, UTVs, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

• Developing and maintaining fences, water sources, corrals, ranch buildings, and other ranch infrastructure.
• Moving/Handling bison in the pasture and corrals using low stress techniques on foot, ATV or UTV.
• Feeding bison (hay, cake, salt, and mineral) in corrals.
• Maintaining record of grazing activity, range health, feeding and feed inventories.
• Using herbicides as appropriate and assigned for weed management.
• Participating in bison handling, including herd movements, tagging, and…