Ranch Manager – Aspen, CO

Job Description

RANCH MANAGER – PRIVATE LUXURY RANCH

Location: Aspen, Colorado
Position: Full-Time | Year-Round
Local Candidates Only – Aspen / Roaring Fork Valley

Position Overview

A prestigious private ranch in Aspen, Colorado, seeks a highly experienced, hands-on Ranch Manager to oversee daily operations, equestrian care, property maintenance, and land management.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing a fully functioning ranch, exceptional horsemanship skills, strong mechanical abilities, and the ability to independently maintain a large ranch property to the highest standards.

This hands-on management position requires someone who can oversee operations and personally do the work needed to keep the ranch running efficiently.

The property is an equestrian-focused ranch with horses only. No cattle or other livestock.

Key Responsibilities

Equestrian Management & Horse Care

● Oversee all aspects of daily horse care, including feeding, grooming, exercising, and general well-being.

● Demonstrate extensive knowledge of horse handling, behavior, health, and safety.

● Coordinate veterinary appointments, farrier services, vaccinations, and preventative care.

● Maintain barns, stalls, paddocks, pastures, tack rooms, and equestrian facilities.

● Manage feeding schedules, hay inventory, supplements, and equestrian supplies.

● Recognize early signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes.

● Ensure horses receive appropriate exercise, turnout, and individualized care.

● Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout all equestrian facilities.

Ranch Operations & Property Management

● Take full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of a functioning private ranch.

● Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of ranch buildings, barns, outbuildings, roads, trails, and surrounding grounds.

● Manage irrigation systems, pastures, fencing, drainage, and water systems.

● Perform routine inspections and proactively identify maintenance needs.

● Coordinate preventative maintenance and necessary repairs.

● Oversee landscaping, pasture management, weed control, and general land preservation.

● Maintain detailed operational records, maintenance schedules, and inventory.

● Ensure the ranch remains exceptionally maintained, organized, and operational year-round.

Equipment & Mechanical Maintenance

● Safely operate and maintain tractors, ATVs, utility vehicles, snow-removal equipment, and other ranch machinery.

● Perform basic mechanical troubleshooting, repairs, and preventative maintenance.

● Oversee equipment servicing and coordinate specialized repairs when necessary.

● Maintain ranch vehicles, tools, and machinery in excellent working condition.

Seasonal & Winter Operations

● Manage snow removal, winter access, and property safety during Aspen’s winter months.

● Prepare barns, water systems, equipment, and ranch facilities for freezing temperatures.

● Oversee seasonal irrigation, pasture maintenance, and spring/summer property preparation.

● Respond promptly to weather-related emergencies and unexpected property issues.

Staff & Vendor Oversight

● Supervise ranch personnel and outside contractors as needed.

● Coordinate vendors, service providers, veterinarians, and farriers.

● Establish efficient daily routines and ensure consistent operational standards.

● Communicate regularly with ownership regarding property conditions, projects, and ranch needs.

Qualifications & Requirements

● Minimum 5+ years of professional ranch management experience, preferably on a private equestrian ranch.

● Extensive hands-on experience caring for, handling, and managing horses is mandatory.

● Thorough understanding of the daily operations and maintenance of a fully functioning ranch.

● Strong mechanical aptitude and experience operating ranch equipment.

● Knowledge of irrigation, fencing, pasture management, property maintenance, and general repairs.

● Experience managing ranch personnel, contractors, and outside vendors.

● Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and resolve problems without constant supervision.

● Physically capable of performing demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.

● Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.

● Professional, trustworthy, discreet, and committed to long-term employment.

● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

LOCAL RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Applicants must currently reside in Aspen or the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley.

Candidates must be familiar with Colorado mountain conditions, seasonal ranch operations, and the unique demands of maintaining a high-elevation ranch.

This position is not intended for someone seeking to transition into ranch management. We are seeking an established professional with proven experience independently operating and maintaining a private ranch.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is a seasoned ranch professional who takes genuine pride in their work, understands horses deeply, and approaches ranch management with an owner’s mentality.

They are proactive, resourceful, mechanically inclined, exceptionally organized, and comfortable taking full responsibility for a ranch’s daily operations.

This individual understands that maintaining a private luxury ranch requires consistent attention to detail, excellent judgment, and a willingness to be personally involved in every aspect of the property’s care.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and housing will be provided on the Ranch

Long-term opportunity for a dedicated professional seeking a stable position managing an exceptional private ranch in Aspen.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a detailed resume outlining their ranch management experience, equestrian background, mechanical capabilities, and history of managing private ranch properties.

Local applicants with extensive equestrian and ranch management experience will receive priority consideration.

Email your resume to [email protected]