November 6, 2024

Colorado State University

Saratoga

FULL TIME

BIC Ranch Operations Specialist

Position Location

Saratoga, WY

Work Location

Position is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional Position

Yes

Posting Number

202401937AP

Position Type

Admin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification Title

Research Associate I

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week

Proposed Annual Salary Range

38,000 - 42,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here.
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For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Desired Start Date

01/01/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on

12/08/2024

Description of Work Unit

The Colorado State University John E. Rouse Beef Improvement Center is located near Encampment, WY and encompasses over 7,500 acres of rangeland and irrigated pasture and hay meadows. At present the facility runs over 400 Angus cows that serve as the keystone population for CSU’s Animal Breeding and Genetics Research program. The facility is self-supporting, selling bred heifers, yearling bulls (in an annual bull sale), and steers. The unit works closely with the CSU ARDEC and ECRC facilities to evaluate ranch steers for feed utilization, feeding, and marketing of harvest animals.

The Department of Animal Sciences has the unique mission of serving Colorado and the West’s large and diverse livestock industries. Research, teaching and extension outreach activities in the Department of Animal sciences focus on developing industry leaders and improving profitable production of horses and food animals through the application of science and technology, resource management and food product enhancement, with emphasis on addressing societal issues concerning food safety, product quality and value, animal care and management and environmental impacts of animal agriculture.

Position Summary

Ranch Hand, maintain equipment, perform repairs, and assist in all areas of cow-calf, bull and heifer development, and irrigation operations.

Required Job Qualifications

High School Diploma, General Education Development (GED) or equivalent required and 2 years of relevant, specialized training/experience.
Two-year’s experience in beef cattle cow-calf/or feedlot operations.
Experience maintaining detailed records and operating under budgetary constraints.
Experience in upkeep and maintenance of facilities, equipment, land, and/or feed resources.
Commitment to quality assurance, humane livestock handling, performance testing, and accurate data collection and recording is essential.
Candidate must demonstrate integrity and professionalism in a team environment.
Ability to accommodate demands beyond the set full-time work week.
Ability to live on-site in provided accommodations.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Associate’s or B.S. in Animal Sciences or related field.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal).
Experience using MS Office Suite (specifically email, word, Excel).
Ability to learn specialized applications quickly.
Familiarity with livestock operations.
Experience with flood irrigation processes.
Experience with agricultural equipment (e.g. tractor, swather/windrower, baler) and maintenance.
Welding experience.

Diversity Statement

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category

Accounting

Duty/Responsibility

Ensure compliance with and proper accounting of operational and research funds. Specific duties include:

Track transactions/costs
Submit invoices for payment
Initiate P-Card purchases with related justification and receipt documentation
Track and report vehicle mileage
Track and report fuel use

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Irrigation Operations

Duty/Responsibility

Prepare hay ground and ditches prior to water turn-on; apply fertilizer, monitor water flow and distribution; place dams and adjust other distribution equipment to ensure maximum hay production

Percentage Of Time

Job Duty Category

Ranch Operations

Duty/Responsibility

Assist Manager with livestock, equipment and haying operations including:

Operation of windrower to harvest hay
Operate tractor and baler to harvest hay; stack hay
Assist in moving cattle; participate in cattle processing using low stress handling techniques (e.g. Vaccination, weighing, loading, etc.)
Fix electric, barbed, and smooth wire fences
Build/repair/design of pipe corrals including welding
Repair and maintain machinery
Feed cattle during non-grazing periods
Maintain ranch buildings and working facilities including cleaning
Set up facilities for annual bull sale
Adhere to animal handling, research and ranch protocols
Identify ranch facilities and activities in need of improvement/review
Other ranch/livestock related activities as assigned
Perform regular maintenance, upkeep, and repair tractors, haying equipment, ATV’s, water wells, irrigation pivots, etc.

Percentage Of Time

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by December 8, 2024. To apply, please upload:

Cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications.

Resume

Contact information for three professional reference that may be contacted at the finalist stage.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License

Search Contact

Laura Bonner, laura.bonner@colostate.edu

EEO Statement

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.

The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.

Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.