Role Summary
Create and operate a profitable cattle operation, scaling the current herd of approximately 200 bulls/cows to the ranch’s maximum summer carrying capacity of 800 head. Own the full cow-calf cycle for our grass-finished registered Angus herd under the Highest Altitude Angus® brand: breeding decisions, calving season, pasture rotation, health protocols, and rotational grazing. Work with the ranch manager on fencing, water systems, and equipment. Lead sales of registered Angus bulls and cows, targeting more than 50 registered bulls per year. Develop and execute a targeted marketing plan for Highest Altitude Angus® sales aimed at ranchers operating above 6,000 feet.
Key Responsibilities
Requirements
Compensation & Benefits
Create and operate a profitable cattle operation, scaling the current herd of approximately 200 bulls/cows to the ranch’s maximum summer carrying capacity of 800 head. Own the full cow-calf cycle for our grass-finished registered Angus herd under the Highest Altitude Angus® brand: breeding decisions, calving season, pasture rotation, health protocols, and rotational grazing. Work with the ranch manager on fencing, water systems, and equipment. Lead sales of registered Angus bulls and cows, targeting more than 50 registered bulls per year. Develop and execute a targeted marketing plan for Highest Altitude Angus® sales aimed at ranchers operating above 6,000 feet.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage a profitable operation that grows the herd from ~200 head to the ranch’s maximum summer carrying capacity of 800
- Full management of the cow-calf operation (breeding, calving, health, pasture rotation, rotational grazing)
- Coordinate with the ranch manager on fencing, water systems, and equipment needed to support the larger herd
- Drive sales of registered Angus bulls and cows under the Highest Altitude Angus® brand; achieve more than 50 registered bull sales annually
- Create and run a targeted marketing plan for Highest Altitude Angus® sales focused on high-altitude ranchers (operations above 6,000 ft)
- Maintain herd records, health protocols, and day-to-day logistics of high-country cattle work
- Supervise limited seasonal summer help as needed (no other direct reports)
Requirements
- 4-year degree in agriculture (or related field such as animal science/animal husbandry)
- 5-10 years of relevant cattle/ranch experience
- Trained in holistic agriculture
- Experienced in cow-calf operations and rotational grazing
- Demonstrated capability in animal husbandry and high-country (altitude) logistics
- Demonstrated understanding of breeding and genetics to produce desired Highest Altitude Angus® genetic performance profile
- Familiarity with high-altitude disease, Johne’s disease, and closed-herd operations
- Demonstrated experience interacting with university agriculture/veterinary departments
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Housing available on site
- Ranch vehicle available for work use only (not for personal use)
- No health insurance provided