Ranch Operations Manager

POSITION PURPOSE

The Ranch Operations Manager role at TomKat Ranch supports daily ground operations by efficiently managing complexity and coordinating activities in pursuit of our mission. Success requires balancing strategic planning with hands-on management, maintaining safety standards, developing team members, and fostering effective communication across all channels.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Humility, open-mindedness
• Strong work ethic 
• Good sense of humor
• Excellent ability to problem-solve and prioritize
• Values hard work and challenging environments
• Able to work independently or in a team

Overview:

TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation is a mission-based 501(c)(3) organization based at TomKat Ranch in Pescadero, California. 

Duties described below are examples and not meant to be an exhaustive or all-inclusive list: 

• Team Management and Personnel Development
  • Serve as the Manager of the land management teams, including Horse and Land & Livestock teams, overseeing 3-5 direct reports.
  • Hold regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports and develop personalized growth plans.
  • Lead safety initiatives, ensuring all staff receive adequate training.
  • Address concerns promptly, documenting significant interactions and decisions
• Operations and Resource Management 
  • Manage ranch fleet and resources with effective prioritization and communication.
  • Recommend process improvements from an operational perspective.
  • Coordinate staff, equipment, and land use activities, making adjustments as needed.
• Collaboration and Project Management 
  • Coordinate with vendors, service providers, and emergency services following established protocols.
  • Liaise with other departments and partner organizations to achieve goals and manage projects.
• Leadership
  • Serve as the primary authority during assigned shifts, handling operational decisions and emergencies.
  • Manage on-call responsibilities, including after-hours availability.
  • Ensure proper coverage of essential duties and maintain clear communication channels.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact during emergency scenarios.

Opportunity to participate in the following, depending on skills and workload:

• Develop collaboration programs with lease holders and diverse land users.
• Oversee grazing plans, infrastructure implementation, and new land uses.
• Participate in hosting and educating visitors, students, and practitioners.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Patience, a sense of humor, and Spanish-speaking abilities are highly valued.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Highly organized self-starter with ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills with Google Suite proficiency
• Tactful, professional, discreet, and trustworthy with 7+ years of employee management experience
• Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and make strategic decisions in ambiguous situations
• Demonstrated leadership experience with calm decision-making under pressure
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and availability for flexible hours
• Working knowledge of agricultural equipment and safety protocols

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly walk the property and respond quickly to emergencies.
• Able to assist with physical tasks when necessary.
• Stamina to work extended hours during emergency situations.

Working Conditions:

• On-call availability during assigned shifts.
• Work in various weather conditions and outdoor environments.
• Potential requirement for occasional overnight stays on property when necessary.

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Report to the Multi-Site Ranch Manager or their delegate.
• This exempt position is expected to work 5 days, 40 hours per week, and may be asked to work evenings. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting salary that the organization reasonably expects to pay for the role is $130,000, with the full salary range for the position being  $125,000 to $145,000. 
• Education, classes, and training
• Insurance – health, dental, vision, life 
• Up to 4 weeks paid vacation depending on hours worked
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick days – 1 hour/30 hrs worked
• Simple IRA with 3% match from employer 
• Cell phone reimbursement 
• $100/month self-care stipend
• Discounted meat for employees