Ranch Facilities Foreman

Schedule

This is a full-time, salaried, non-exempt position generally scheduled for 40 hours per workweek. Work schedules may vary based on operational needs and emergency situations and may include weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and occasional after-hours work. The employee is required to accurately record all hours worked. Overtime will be compensated in accordance with applicable federal and New Mexico law.

Job Overview

The Ranch Facilities Foreman is responsible for the maintenance, safety, and functionality of The Horse Shelter's facilities, vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure. The Horse Shelter is located on a 128-acre property, with operations encompassing approximately 40 acres, and has capacity to care for more than 100 horses.
Working under the supervision of the Ranch Manager, the Ranch Facilities Foreman is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, identify and address maintenance needs proactively, and ensure efficient and cost-effective ranch operations. This position also leads ranch hand staff in maintenance-related tasks and supports facility improvement and expansion projects.

Primary Responsibilities

Ensure facilities, vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure are maintained in safe, functional condition and ready for day-to-day operations.
Promote efficient and cost-effective operational workflows.
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair ranch equipment and vehicles and maintain appropriate service and maintenance records.
Conduct routine facility and equipment inspections and promptly address identified maintenance or safety issues.
Monitor and maintain ranch infrastructure, including barns, fencing, gates, roads, arenas, shelters, and related facilities.
Build, maintain, repair, and improve ranch infrastructure and residences as needed. Welding and fabrication are important components of this work.
Maintain an organized inventory of ranch supplies, tools, equipment, maintenance materials, and feed, including ordering and purchasing as authorized.
Train and supervise ranch hand staff in assigned maintenance duties and the safe operation of tools, vehicles, machinery, and equipment.
Reinforce applicable workplace safety procedures and established organizational policies.

Ranch Operations & Improvements

Research vendors and contractors, obtain quotes, make recommendations, and serve as the primary point of contact for approved outside vendors as needed.
Manage authorized purchases within budgets established by management and the Board of Directors.
Assist with feeding, watering, mucking, and other horse-care or ranch duties when operational needs require.
Haul horses, equipment, water tanks, materials, and supplies as needed and when qualified to do so safely.
Identify opportunities to improve ranch processes, procedures, efficiency, safety, and infrastructure.
Support implementation of approved improvement, repair, and expansion projects.
Promote a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

Safety & Compliance

Follow and reinforce ranch safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Support compliance with applicable animal welfare standards, workplace safety requirements, and organizational policies.
Maintain clean, organized, and hazard-free work areas.
Ensure fuel, tools, equipment, chemicals, and hazardous materials are stored and handled safely.
Respond appropriately to emergencies involving horses, facilities, vehicles, equipment, weather, fire, water systems, or other ranch operations.
Identify hazards promptly and take appropriate corrective action or notify management when additional resources or authorization are required.

Grounds & Property Maintenance

Oversee weed control, manure removal, trash removal, and general property cleanliness.
Coordinate routine and seasonal property maintenance, including snow and ice response, drainage, road maintenance, and fire-prevention measures.
Monitor well systems, water levels, piping, hydrants, and related water infrastructure and perform or coordinate repairs as needed.
Drag and maintain arenas and maintain ranch roads and access areas.
Safely operate tractors and other heavy equipment required for property maintenance.

Required Qualifications

A strong commitment to equine wellbeing and safety is fundamental to this position. The Ranch Facilities Foreman must have a practical understanding of ranch operations, facility maintenance, equipment operation, and risk management.
Minimum of three years of relevant experience in ranch, agricultural, construction, facilities maintenance, or related operations.
Experience safely handling and working around horses.
Welding and metal fabrication skills; relevant certifications are preferred.
Demonstrated ability to safely operate heavy equipment, power tools,