Smith Fork Ranch

		Ranch Facilities Manager DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF BUSINESS Smith Fork Ranch is a family-owned guest ranch with a current capacity of 26-28 guests. This intimate, high-end guest ranch is located roughly midway between Aspen and Telluride, Colorado. Straddling three miles of the Smith Fork River Valley, its compound of historic buildings sits at 7100 feet altitude, surrounded by 1.2 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and 10,000-12,000 ft peaks of the West Elk Range of the Rocky Mountains. The ranch is located about 7 miles East of the town of Crawford (pop 350) and 25 minutes from the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; 2 hours from Aspen; 2 1/2 hours from Telluride; 1 3/4 hours from Grand Junction, 4 1/2 hours SW of Denver, Colorado. While the ranch dates back to the early 20th century, its current life as a high-end guest ranch began only five years ago, after an extensive three-year restoration by the Hodgson family. In addition to its stunningly beautiful location, primary characteristics are handsomely appointed accommodations in the rustic tradition; fine food and wine; and a wide variety of outdoor activities (featuring fly fishing on extensive private waters and horseback riding) customized to the desires of the guests. RESPONSIBILITIES Manage all maintenance aspects (non-guest related) of a 280 acre guest ranch surrounded by 1.1 million acres of National Forest, including: River/streams/ponds; fish habitat maintenance & improvement Domestic water systems/springs; water gathering; water augmentation plan; water purification & softening system Buildings & Facilities (interior and exterior maintenance); structural repairs, carpentry, painting, etc Plumbing, heating, septic & electrical systems Vehicles & equipment maintenance and repair Private roads/walking paths/footbridges; snow removal Fencing repair & maintence; perimeter & interior Ditch maintenance; pastures/irrigation Lawns/gardens/sprinkler system Livestock management/health and maintenance; hay purchase & storage Clearing & cultivation of land Management & coordination of all suppliers, service vendors & outside contractors related to property and facilities (DMEA, propane, fuel, trash pick-up, etc) Smith Fork Ranch has most all of the facets of other western ranches, with one major difference: -- Many aspects of the ranch must be managed not only for functionality, but also up to “showcase” standards since the beauty and ambience of the entire ranch property, is a key component of the “vacation experience” our guests are paying for. JOB REQUIREMENTS Four or more years of hands-on experience at a guest ranch resort, or private club doing tasks listed above. Experience at a location in the western slope region of Colorado would be helpful. Personal skills and knowledge re Electrical Carpentry & woodworking Plumbing & heating Operating heavy equipment Irrigation Vehicle/mechanical repairs Valid drivers license and reliable transportation Strong organizational skills, ability to manage a team of people MUST BE PHYSICALLY FIT; WILLING & ABLE TO DO MOST, IF NOT ALL OF MAINTENANCE TASKS REQUIRED CHARACTER TRAITS FOR SUCCESS AT SMITH FORK RANCH Must be highly motivated, with strong work ethic and “excellence reflex”(a natural tendency to do something as well as can possibly be done). Must be detail oriented Must be self starter, able to work independently and with others Able to take initiative to see what needs to be done Must be well organized with excellent follow-through Able to handle and prioritize conflicting demands and multiple tasks in a timely manner. Must “take ownership” of SFR facilities, and be an advocate for their care and improvement Must be creative and resourceful; able to develop and implement new ideas and improvements over next five years. Reports to owner of SFR; however will work in close cooperation with General Manager of SFR guest ranch business, for it is the guest ranch business that is the primary focus of all maintenance and improvement efforts. COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGE Please e-mail resume, job references, salary history and recent personal photo to: marleyhodgson@yahoo.com, or mail to Smith Fork Ranch, attn. Marley Hodgson, PO Box 401, Crawford, CO 81415

		Phone: (970) 921-3454 all contents © 2002-2008, Smith Fork Ranch