Cow/Calf Operations Manager
Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
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The Cow/Calf Operations Manager leads day-to-day management of JLC’s 700–800 head cow/calf operation, including an off-site calving facility, the annual breeding program, summer grazing, and fall herd health work. This position requires hands-on livestock experience, strong crew leadership, and the flexibility to manage a demanding year-round workload.
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QUALIFICATIONS
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• Extensive calving and breeding experience
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• Knowledge of artificial insemination and embryo transfer processes
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• Extensive knowledge of general livestock and herd health
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• Fencing and pasture management experience
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LEADERSHIP
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• Participate in monthly leadership/management meetings
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• Delegate tasks and manage a 6–8 person calving crew
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• Experience managing teams
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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• Prepare and operate the 700–800 head calving facility, including barn and pen prep, crew management, and sorting cows/pairs into groups
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• Oversee the 200–400 head off-site calving facility, including herd health, winter rations, and feed calls
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• Schedule, manage, and execute calf processing
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• Prepare and operate the breeding facility; assist with the 2,200 head breeding program, including synchronization, AI, and ET of 1,000–1,200 head at JLC and offsite herds
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• Manage cow/calf herd health year-round
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• Organize ultrasounding of the cow herd
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• Create and execute a 5–6 month rotational grazing plan
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• Fit and maintain eShepherd collars; deliver mineral weekly
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• Prepare and maintain summer and fall pastures, fences, and water tanks
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• Organize turnout and haul cow/calf pairs to grass
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• Prepare weaning pens and organize weaning
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• Manage rations and bunk for weaned calves and replacement heifers
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• Move and process/cake cow groups for fall and winter grazing as needed
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• Relocate cows back to calving facilities; administer pre-calving shots and collect fecal samples
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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
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• Hourly, full-time, in-person position
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• 100% employer-paid health insurance with $2,600 annual HSA contribution
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• 3% IRA match
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• $1,200 annual vehicle reimbursement, plus fuel provided
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• Lunch provided Monday–Friday