JOB DESCRIPTION

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION MANAGER

Date:              Q2 2026                                                                                Department: Agriculture

Reports to:     Ranch Manager                                                         Employment: Full Time/Exempt

Location:        Carbondale, Colorado

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Iron Rose Ranch is seeking a dedicated, observant, and team-oriented Regenerative Agricultural Department Manager to lead the practical implementation of regenerative agricultural principles across the Ranch. This position will report to the Ranch Manager and coordinate with other Department Managers to advance the Ranch’s vision, mission, and ecological outcomes while ensuring strong livestock performance and operational excellence. The ideal candidate combines hands-on livestock management experience with a deep understanding of regenerative principles, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regenerative Land & Livestock Management

• Implement regenerative agricultural principles in alignment with the Ranch’s vision and mission.
• Apply context-specific decision-making based on careful observation of land, livestock, and ecological indicators.
• Manage and measure key indicators of regenerative progress, including soil health, forage performance, water cycle function, and biodiversity.
• Observe and interpret livestock behavior and performance indicators to inform adaptive management decisions.
• Support and optimize multi-enterprise livestock systems and their proper integration.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage Ranch staff in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Foster high morale, accountability, and professional growth within the Ranch team.
• Work closely with the Ranch Manager to execute strategic goals and operational objectives.
• Promote a culture of ongoing education, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Be coachable and committed to personal and professional development.

Strategic & Operational Support

• Align day-to-day Ranch operations with long-term ecological and financial objectives.
• Assist in monitoring operational performance and key production metrics.
• Contribute to sound decision-making through a working understanding of agricultural economics and ranch finance.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the on-ranch team, ownership, and key stakeholders.

Communication & Reporting

• Maintain strong written and oral communication across all levels of the organization.
• Provide clear updates on livestock performance, land health indicators, and operational progress.
• Represent Iron Rose Ranch professionally with partners, vendors, and stakeholders as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications & Experience

• Clear understanding of the foundational principles of regenerative agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to apply regenerative principles within the specific context of a working ranch.
• Experience managing livestock in multi-enterprise systems.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in agricultural or ranch settings.
• Strong observational skills with the ability to translate observations into practical management decisions.
• Working knowledge of key regenerative and production metrics.
• Basic understanding of agricultural economics and financial principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Key Competencies

• Adaptive management and systems thinking.
• Observational intelligence and situational awareness.
• Team leadership and morale building.
• Strategic alignment with organizational vision.
• Accountability and results orientation.
• Coachability and growth mindset.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Position Type:  Fulltime/Exempt                                   

Base Salary: $100,000 – 120,000 DOE

Education: High School or Equivalent (required).  Four-year degree in Agriculture (regenerative focus preferable) or other applicable degree program.  A combination of education and experience will be considered.

Benefits:

• Onsite Housing Required
• Medical Reimbursement
• Company Vehicle Allocation
• Vacation, Sick, Holiday and PTO

About Iron Rose Ranch:

Our mission is to continue Tom Bailey’s legacy of land stewardship, regenerative agriculture and elite competitive cutting horses. The Iron Rose Ranch is committed to regenerative land stewardship, livestock health, and long-term ecological and financial resilience.