Feedlot Technician

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:  Feedlot
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Position Type: Full Time / Benefits Eligible
Housing Provided: Yes

TURNER RANCHES SUMMARY
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. Our mission statement “To manage Turner Lands in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner while conserving native species and habitats” provides a solid foundation for how we exercise 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 the model for 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 balanced management of the properties. We provide an atmosphere in which our 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!

 LOCATION SUMMARY
Blue Creek Ranch is an 84,000+ acre Ranch in the sandhills in the southwestern panhandle of Nebraska. Blue Creek, one of the largest spring fed creeks in Nebraska, runs through the south end of the Ranch which originates in the Crescent Lake Wildlife Refuge just west of the Ranch. The Ranch is home to 3,500+ head of bison consisting of breeding cows and bulls, stocker yearling heifers and bulls and two-year-old stocker heifers. The Ranch also operates a 3,000 head bison finishing feed yard.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position incorporates progressive bison feeding practices and a high interest in bison care, stockmanship and animal welfare.  The employee will be involved in the feeding and daily maintenance in two On Ranch Feeding (ORF) facilities.  Ranch employees strive for excellence in low-stress bison handling techniques while moving pastures, pens as well as handling and shipping.  The employee must be able to use ATVs, tractors, heavy equipment, feed truck and augers to perform Ranch work.

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

• Feed to support the bison’s overall health and well-being utilizing an optimal plan of nutrition.
• Ensure alleyways, gates, fences, and equipment are properly maintained.
• Clean and disinfect automatic waterers, self-feeders and hay bunks as needed to ensure no mold or caking becomes present.
• Maintain detailed and accurate daily records.
• Handle the development and maintenance of Ranch buildings, fences, corrals, and water sources.
• Move/Handle Bison in the pasture and corrals using low stress techniques on foot, ATV or UTV.
• Safely operate and maintain vehicles, tractors, and heavy equipment with various attachments.
• Safely operate ATVs and UTVs.
• Safely use welder, cutting torch and shop equipment as well as repair equipment as appropriate.
• Assist in working animals in corrals.
• Maintain the corral and feed pens.
• Perform general Ranch work.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

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

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; works well alone.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
• Motivation - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism - Reacts well under pressure; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Confidentiality – Occasional contact with owner and guests.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
A four-year degree in Agriculture with two years’ experience is highly preferred.   Livestock care and familiarity with low-stress handling experience is highly preferred. Heavy equipment operation experience is highly preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
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.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 
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.

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

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
If 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.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• The employee must adhere to Company and Ranch policies and procedures, which are included in the Company’s Employee Handbook.
• The employee must present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire, pursuant to federal law.
• The candidate may be subject to undergo pre-employment drug test, (after offer is given but before applicant has commenced work). Random drug tests are given throughout the year.
• The employee must have a personal vehicle to travel from Ranch location to local town for personal needs.
• The Company operates as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the Ranch property, to include but is not limited to; Ranch housing, Ranch vehicles, Ranch offices or on Ranch machines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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 or UTV for extended periods of time on uneven, rough terrain, and occasionally on roads and flat terrain while performing Ranch duties including moving bison individually and with others. 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
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 moderate.

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.

*In accordance with applicable law, the Company will reasonably accommodate any disabled individual who requests an accommodation that will allow him/her to perform the essential job duties or functions of his/her position. Accommodation inquires must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.”

Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

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