Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC

Supervisory Position: No

Job Title: Feedlot Technician
Uses Time & Attendance: No

Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

Time & Attendance Supervisor: N/A

Division: Blue Creek Ranch

Home Department: 679

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible

Housing Provided: Yes

Turner Ranches are collectively known as the largest and most progressive bison operation in the world. We stand at the forefront of research, innovation, conservation, and production in the bison industry. The mission statement, “To manage Turner Lands in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner while conserving native species and habitats” directs our balanced stewardship of the land while integrating conservation and commerce. We are passionate about improving land, health, and diversity through innovative grazing practices and conservation management. Our Ranches are a model of sustainable ranching practices throughout the western United States. Low-stress livestock handling is an important component of how we promote the ethical and moral treatment of our animals. Our diverse team consists of veterinary, wildlife biology, ecology, range management, ranch management and hospitality professionals who provide a unique balance of knowledge and insight into the stewardship of our properties. We provide an atmosphere where employees can grow and progress through work experience, training, and community involvement.

If you are passionate about sustainable ranching and conservation, come help us make a difference and be part of something great!

Blue Creek Ranch encompasses approximately 85,000 deeded acres in Garden County, NE, located 15 miles Northeast of Oshkosh, NE. The ranch ecosystem is Sandhills Mixed-Grass Prairie, characterized by grass-covered sandhills interspersed with wet meadows. The Blue Creek River flows through the ranch, providing excellent habitat for numerous animal species.

The primary ranch operation is bison production (cow/calf and yearling) and grazing management of approximately 1,200 breeding bison cows and 1,300 yearling bison bulls and heifers. Bison grazing is managed using planned grazing of the uplands and wet meadows, with intensively managed grazing on crop lands and along Blue Creek to achieve ecological goals and animal performance. The Ranch also operates two feedlots that are utilized to finish Blue Creek Ranch raised as well as other Turner Ranch raised bison. Ranch staff utilize low stress livestock handling techniques while interacting with the bison in pastures and corrals.

The ranch headquarters is located 15 miles northeast of Oshkosh, NE or 16 miles North of Lewellen. Oshkosh, NE offers K-12 schools.

The Blue Creek Ranch operates two feedlots, known as the Hill Feedlot and the HQ Feedlot. The HQ Feedlot feeds bison that are produced on the Blue Creek Ranch and has the capacity to house up to 800 head on feed. The Hill Feedlot operates as a custom feeding operation, and feeds bison that were raised on other Turner Ranch properties. The Hill Feedlot has the capacity to house up to 2,500 head on feed. The feedlots utilize a cafeteria style ration using whole corn, alfalfa, and grass hay.

The Feedlot Technician position will be involved in daily oversight of a progressive feeding program. This position requires a high interest in bison care and welfare. This employee will be involved in the feeding and daily maintenance of both feedlots. The Feedlot Technician will strive for excellence in low-stress bison handling techniques when pulling pens as well as handling and shipping.

As a Feedlot Technician, the job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

On Ranch housing and basic utilities are provided subject to the Company’s Housing Agreement. Single family housing and basic utilities are provided subject to the Company’s Housing Agreement.

Two years’ experience with previous livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience is highly preferred. Ability and skills to use ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, feed truck and augers to perform ranch work is required.

The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The employee must be able to write routine reports and correspondence.

The employee must be able to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. The employee must be able to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

The employee must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

This position requires operation of a vehicle, the employee must possess a valid Driver’s License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment. The employee’s driving record must meet the standards and requirements of the Company and the Company's insurance carrier.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must be able to ride an ATV for extended periods of time on uneven, rough terrain, and occasionally on roads and flat terrain while performing ranch duties. The employee is frequently required to climb ladders and pipe corrals. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 75 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

The employee must be able to competently move and handle bison with other employees. Moving and handling bison in corral setting requires walking, running, and climbing pipe corrals for extended periods on uneven terrain. The employee must be able to open and close heavy pipe gates in a time sensitive manner while in the presence of bison and performing these duties alone.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

This position is located in a remote location. A ranch radio will be provided for communication and is required every day for work.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be alert and aware of dangers that are present while working on a ranch and its surroundings.

For more information, and to apply online, visit www.tedturner.com.