RANCH FOREMAN/FACILITIES MANAGER(S) - Crawford, CO

SMITH FORK RANCH

RANCH FOREMAN/FACILITIES MANAGER(S)

Full-time, year around position for working couple or strong individual

DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION

Smith Fork Ranch is a family-owned property, 290 acres located roughly midway between Aspen and Telluride, Colorado.  Straddling three miles of the Smith Fork River Valley, its compound of historic buildings sits at 7100 feet altitude, surrounded by 1.2 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and 10,000-12,000 ft peaks of the West Elk Range of the Rocky Mountains.  The property is located about 7 miles East of the town of Crawford (pop 350);  4 ½ hours SW of Denver, Colorado.

While the ranch dates back to the early 20^th century, its current life as a high-end destination resort/inn began in 2002, after an extensive three-year restoration by the Hodgson family.   This guest hospitality business (guest capacity 26 pers.) currently operates on the property from June through October.

In addition to its stunningly beautiful location, primary characteristics are:  handsomely appointed accommodations in the rustic tradition; fine food and wine; a small spa, and a wide variety of outdoor activities (featuring fly fishing on extensive private waters, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, sporting clays and archery) customized to the guests desires.  

The Guest Hospitality business has a separate management team, consisting of General Manager and several department heads.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF RANCH FOREMAN

Handle all maintenance aspects of the property’s facilities including: 

*  River/streams/ponds; fish habitat maintenance & improvement

*  Domestic water systems/springs; water gathering; water augmentation plan; water

     purification & softening system

*  Buildings & Facilities (interior and exterior maintenance); structural repairs, carpentry,

    painting, etc.

*  Plumbing, heating, septic & electrical systems

*  Computer systems/internet/telephone & communications systems

*  Vehicles & equipment maintenance and repair

*  Private roads/walking paths/footbridges

*  Winter snow removal around year around residences and office/work areas

*  Fencing repair & maintenance; perimeter & interior

*  Ditch maintenance; pastures/irrigation

*  Lawns/gardens/sprinkler system

*  Horse herd management, health and maintenance; hay purchase & storage

*  Planting & cultivation of large farmstead garden (to supply kitchen/restaurant  needs)

*  Clearing & cultivation of land

*  Care and housekeeping of owners residence

*  Management & coordination of all suppliers, service vendors & outside contractors

    related to property and facilities (electric utility, propane, fuel, trash pick-up, etc)

*  Interface & collaborate with hospitality operations management team during guest

    season

*  Work within a budget, while keeping accurate, detailed records

Smith Fork Ranch has most all of the facets of other western farm/ranches,with one major difference: -- Many aspects of the property must be maintained not only for functionality, but also up to “showcase” standards  since the  beauty and ambience of the entire property, is a key component of the “vacation experience” during the 5 ½ month guest season.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Four or more years of hands-on experience doing tasks in areas listed above at a rural resort, private club, guest ranch or private estate.  Experience at a location in the western mountain region of  Colorado would be helpful.
• Personal skills and knowledge re

  Electrical

        Carpentry & woodworking

        Plumbing & heating

        Operating heavy equipment

        Irrigation

        Vehicle/mechanical repairs

        Farm & garden, produce crop growing

        Horse herd management

• Valid drivers license & reliable transportation
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage 1 or 2 helpers
• MUST BE PHYSICALLY FIT;  WILLING & ABLE TO DO MOST, IF NOT ALL OF MAINTENANCE TASKS REQUIRED, WITHOUT HAVING TO HIRE OUTSIDE TRADES

CHARACTER TRAITS FOR SUCCESS AT SMITH FORK RANCH

      *    Must be highly motivated, with strong work ethic and “excellence reflex”

            (a natural tendency to do something to the best of one’s abilities).

      *    Must be detail oriented

      *    Must be self starter, able to work independently & with others

      *    Able to take initiative to see what needs to be done

      *    Must be well organized with excellent follow-through

      *    Able to handle and prioritize conflicting demands and multiple tasks in a timely

            manner.

      *    Must “take ownership” of SFR facilities, and be an advocate for their care and

            improvement

• Must be creative and resourceful; able to develop and implement new ideas and

      improvements over next five years

• Must have a good, positive way of dealing with fellow staff, suppliers, guests and

      neighbors

.

Year around position.  Reports to owner. 

Ideal opportunity for couple, providing that each party can perform key full-time functions.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

All (staff) meals during guest season when kitchen is open, and year around housing on property included in compensation package.

Benefits package available.