The ideal candidate will be a hands-on ranch manager who understands livestock production, grazing management, employee leadership, budgeting, property maintenance, and communication with ownership. Experience with progressive or regenerative grazing systems is highly desirable.

THE POSITION

The General Manager will oversee the day-to-day operation of the ranch while providing the leadership and organization necessary to keep livestock, employees, equipment, facilities, and projects moving in the right direction.

This is a hands-on management position, not an office-only role. The successful candidate will be comfortable working alongside employees when needed, while also providing direction, establishing priorities, planning ahead, and holding the operation accountable to established standards.

The General Manager will work closely with ownership and will be expected to maintain a high level of communication, organization, and consistency whether ownership is on the ranch or away.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate daily ranch operations
• Oversee commercial cow/calf production and livestock management
• Manage herd health, nutrition, breeding, calving, weaning, cattle movement, and marketing
• Develop and oversee grazing, forage, and range management programs
• Support the continued development of progressive and regenerative grazing practices
• Coordinate hay, winter feeding, and livestock movement programs
• Supervise, train, organize, and provide leadership to ranch employees
• Establish seasonal priorities, work plans, and employee assignments
• Assist with annual planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, and expense control
• Maintain accurate ranch, livestock, and financial records
• Oversee equipment, facilities, fencing, water systems, roads, and other ranch infrastructure
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, improvement projects, and outside contractors
• Maintain high standards for livestock care, safety, property condition, and operational preparedness
• Work effectively with veterinarians, consultants, vendors, and other agricultural professionals
• Help evaluate new technology, production practices, and opportunities for improving the ranch
• Provide oversight of ranch hospitality staff and ensure the property and staff are properly prepared when guests are present, and on the ranch
• Keep ownership informed regarding operations, upcoming needs, concerns, projects, and recommendations

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should have 5 or more years of progressive ranch management or comparable leadership experience with a strong working knowledge of commercial cattle production.

Successful candidates should bring:

• Strong cow/calf production and range management experience
• Knowledge of herd health, nutrition, breeding, calving, and grazing
• Strong livestock handling and low stress stockmanship skills
• Experience with rotational, adaptive, or regenerative grazing is highly desirable
• Proven ability to supervise, develop, and lead employees
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Budgeting and basic financial management experience
• Practical understanding of ranch equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
• Experience and comfort around ranch horses
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to anticipate needs, recognize problems early, and take initiative
• Ability to work independently and make sound management decisions
• Professionalism and discretion when working with ownership and outside professionals
• High standards for animal care, property maintenance, and operational safety
• Integrity, accountability, maturity, and a team-oriented attitude

The ideal candidate will be open-minded, proactive, and willing to think beyond traditional ranching practices while maintaining sound fundamentals of livestock and land management.

An agriculture-related degree is preferred but not required when supported by strong practical ranch experience and demonstrated management ability.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced ranch professional who wants to take significant responsibility for a quality Montana operation while remaining actively involved in livestock, land, people, and the day-to-day management of the ranch.