Wolakota Bison Range Foreman

27565 RESEARCH PARK DRIVE POST OFFICE BOX 236 MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA 57555 PHONE: 605.856.8400 JOB DESCRIPTION COMPANY: REDCO – Rosebud Farm Company POSITION: Wolakota Bison Range Foreman REPORT: Agricultural Manager CLASSIFICATION:  Salary/ Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The Wolakota Bison Range Foreman will play an integral role in creating and managing the largest Native-owned buffalo herd in the world. The work of the Wolakota Foreman will be to perform day-to-day, weekly and seasonal operations and maintenance for a herd of over 1,300 bison on 28,000 acres of the Rosebud tribal land. This position leads and oversees all on-site activities. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get in at the ground floor of a historic project that will create regenerative Sicangu prosperity. The Wolakota herd will strengthen food sovereignty, provide cultural and ceremonial opportunities, and increase investment in Rosebud. On top of that, restoring bison to the prairie will strengthen the land. The Wolakota Foreman is the hard-working, on-the-ground individual who makes it all possible. An effective Foreman will be dedicated to making a difference for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and strive for creating a triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Foreman utilizes best agriculture and land management expertise and practices to enact day-to-day operations of the Wolakota Buffalo Range in order to meet identified cultural, environmental, and revenue goals. The position requires a strong work ethic, mature leadership, willingness to work in difficult conditions, and an utmost respect and appreciation for bison – recognizing that they are a close relative. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Coordinates and implements bison management activities, including the preparations for future growth, as outlined in the Wolakota Buffalo Range Business Plan and Grazing Plan while under the direction of the Ag Manager ·Performs daily assessments of the health of the bison herd and surrounding ecosystems, updating database, taking copious notes, and completing regular reports to the Ag Manager · Monitors the effectiveness of implemented bison management strategies to ensure cultural targets and goals are being met · Moves and handles bison using humane, low-stress methods ·Organizes quarterly communications and meetings with the Cultural Advisory Committee ·Conducts bison harvests in an ethical manner · Safely operates and maintains ATV’s, trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment · Monitors fire danger and fights fire, if necessary ·Provides basic veterinary care and animal processing, such as vaccinations, injections, and tagging ·Ensures infrastructure, equipment, and tools are in good working order and performs maintenance as necessary on the property, including but not limited to wells, fencing, corrals, roads, trucks, ATVs, and tractors ·Keeps accurate records including, but not limited to maintenance logs, range activities, and budgetary expenditures as requested by supervisor · Maintains regular and effective communication with supervisor and other relevant parties on progress, budget, opportunities, and risks · Helps coordinate and supervise seasonal or day labor as necessary depending on workload · NOTE: Daily work hours will vary depending on necessary duties. We encourage all employees to maintain work-life balance and do our best to ensure they are able to do so. However, given the nature of this position some after-hours commitments may be required, and weekly workload may vary depending on seasonal and project-based timelines. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as required or assigned by Ag Manager and Food Systems Director QUALIFICATIONS: · Minimum five years of applicable experience (does not need to be specific to buffalo) ·Bachelor’s degree in agricultural, horticultural, land or animal management, agronomy or related subject preferred, but not required · Level of physical fitness sufficient to: stand or walk for long periods, lift or move up to 75 pounds, dig holes, sit on an ATV for extended periods of time over rough terrain, climb ladders or fences, crouch or crawl, and other duties as required · Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation, with CDL preferred · Appreciation and respect for Lakota knowledge, lifeways, and culture · Demonstrated ability to operate small farm machinery and ATVs on rough terrain · Strong communication skills · Ability to effectively work in a team setting and to be self-motivated while working alone · Strong workplace ethic and values · Willingness to work in a remote location in all weather conditions · Willingness to live on-site in provided housing COMPENSATION: A salary of over $48,000-$55,000 is anticipated, based on education, qualifications, and experience. The position is classified as Agricultural Workers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics wage scale and our salary is nearly twice the industry average. · 3% 401(k) match · Comprehensive insurance coverage, paid by the employer · Rent-Free housing! On-site housing is provided, which also covers electricity, water, internet, and propane. Foreman covers costs of home and yard maintenance, and satellite TV. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $48,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Ability to Relocate: Mission, SD: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person