What are the responsibilities and job description for the Doggie Ranch Manager position at Top Dog SF?
Ranch Manager – Dog Care & Training Operations
Top Dog SF | Montara, CA
Join the Pack at Top Dog SF
Top Dog SF is seeking a confident, experienced, and dog-savvy Ranch Manager to lead daily operations at our private dog ranch in Montara, CA.
This role is ideal for a hands-on dog professional who thrives outdoors, enjoys leading a team, and takes pride in creating a safe, enriching, and well-run environment for dogs and people alike.
The Doggie Ranch Manager is the the day-to-day leader of the ranch—overseeing dog safety, supporting staff, managing logistics, and serving as the primary onsite point of contact. This is a leadership role with real responsibility, autonomy, and impact.
Why Work With Us
Compensation & Schedule
Starting at $22 /hour, based on experience
Monday–Friday schedule
Consistent daytime hours, including:
Approximately 4 hours per day onsite at the Dog Ranch
Additional remote administrative hours as needed
Approximately 30 hours per week
Perks & Benefits
Paid sick time (up to 80 hours/year)
Monthly health and mobile data reimbursements
Pay raises and incentives after 90 days
Referral bonuses
Employer-sponsored IRA (CalSavers)
Paid training and ongoing professional development
Work outdoors at our private, secure dog ranch — not a chain or warehouse-style facility
The Role: Ranch Manager
As Ranch Manager, you will oversee the daily flow of dogs, people, and operations while remaining actively involved in dog handling and ranch life.
Core Responsibilities
🐾 Dog Care & Safety
Supervise group play and provide enrichment activities
Oversee daily dog activities and routines
Monitor dog behavior, health, and group dynamics to ensure safety
Conduct incident tracking as needed, including daily and weekly company-wide communication
Support new dog trials and group dynamic assessments
Ensure dogs’ physical and emotional needs are met in all weather conditions
👥 Team Leadership & Support
Serve as the primary onsite leader and point of contact for Top Dog SF team members
Lead brief daily huddles and support team communication
Lead daily dog roll calls and schedule confirmations
Support onboarding, training, and coaching of new hires
Provide feedback and collaborate with leadership on performance and growth
Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented culture
🚐 Ranch Operations & Logistics
Support daily transportation flow and ranch logistics
Step in to cover employee breaks or call-outs when needed
Assist with scheduling, dog placement, and transportation logistics as needed
Conduct daily ranch, van, and equipment safety checks
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety standards
Coordinate minor repairs, supplies, and vendor services for the dog ranch and company vans as needed
📣 Client Communication & Reporting
Communicate dog updates, incidents, and observations to leadership
Support client questions or concerns as they arise
Maintain accurate records, photos, and notes related to dogs’ days
What We’re Looking For
You may be a great fit if you:
Have hands-on experience working with groups of dogs
Are calm, observant, and confident handling complex dog dynamics
Enjoy leading by example and supporting a team
Are reliable, organized, and solution-oriented
Communicate clearly and professionally
Align with positive-reinforcement, force-free dog handling
Can work outdoors year-round and meet the physical demands of the role
Preferred Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Certified positive-reinforcement trainer or education in positive-reinforcement training
1 year experience in dog care, training, daycare, or a similar setting
Leadership or supervisory experience (formal or informal)
Reliable transportation
Clean driving record
Physical & Work Requirements
Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting (up to 50–75 lbs)
Ability to move quickly, be agile, and manage active dogs
Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
Exposure to animal dander, dirt, and typical ranch environments
Application Instructions
Video Submission Required
To move forward in the hiring process, please submit both of the following:
Your resume
A short video introduction (up to 2 minutes)
Your video does not need to be professional or edited — a simple phone video is perfect. Please briefly answer the questions below:
Dog Safety & Decision-Making
Tell us about a time you noticed a potential safety issue with dogs or people at work. What did you do, and why?Team Leadership & Support
How do you support teammates during a busy or stressful shift while still keeping standards high?Problem Solving
Describe a problem that came up unexpectedly during a workday. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?Client Communication & Satisfaction
If a client is upset or concerned about their dog’s day, how would you approach that conversation?
📧 Please email your resume and video to:
natalie@topdogsf.com
If you have trouble sending your video via email, please try using Google Drive. If you are still experiencing issues, email us and let us know.
About Top Dog SF
Founded in 2004, Top Dog SF is an award-winning dog walking and positive-reinforcement training company serving San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Our private Montara ranch offers dogs a safe, enriching space for structured play, exploration, and learning. We are a small, values-driven business, not a chain. Every team member matters, and leadership is built through care, consistency, and professionalism.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Top Dog SF is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and a people-first culture. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities.
Ready to Join the Pack?
Apply today and help us create exceptional experiences for dogs, clients, and our team.
Salary : $22 - $25