Copper Spur Ranch (CSR www.copperspurranch.com) is a remote, 1,800-acre working cattle and sheep ranch located 31 miles northwest of Avon, CO off Highway 131 between Bond and McCoy. The ranch is nestled amidst over 100,000 acres of undeveloped land, including BLM, USFS, State Land Trust, Radium State Wildlife Area, and private properties. CSR is a unique, rustic setting offering a variety of outdoor experiences, from agritourism to hunting and fishing. The ranch is home to a range of livestock, including cattle, sheep, horses, geese, ducks, and laying hens, and operates a small agritourism business that offers lodging, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and more. The owner is continuously improving the land by implementing conservation practices like controlling erosion, removing invasive trees and controlling invasive weeds.
Position Overview:
Seeking a hardworking and skilled Year-Round Ranch Caretaker. The position is full-time for eight months of the year (April - November), with limited part-time work in winter months (less than one hour per day). The full-time schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, with Saturdays working alongside the owner and an occasional hired crew. Winter duties include livestock care for sheep, horses and chickens (cattle owned and managed by a neighboring rancher), ranch security, and general upkeep.
The ideal candidate must have a great attitude, be physically fit, self-motivated, and capable of safely operating both light and heavy equipment. Caretaker should be comfortable working independently and enjoy providing an exceptional experience for guests. Horse experience is a plus for guiding guests on trails but not a must.
Key Responsibilities:
- Wood Cutting and Stacking: Harvest, cut, haul, split, and stack at least 10 cords of firewood from Black Mountain (with additional help).
- Fencing: Tear down old fences, construct new fence and gates and maintain fencing.
- Land Improvement: Operate skid steer and tractor to clear pastures, remove invasive tree species, move dirt, and perform other land management tasks.
- Livestock Care: Daily care for horses, sheep, and other animals (feeding, health checks, winter feeding). Rotate pastures for the flock.
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform mechanical maintenance and cleaning of ranch equipment and vehicles, including the owners' truck and car.
- Building Maintenance: Repair and maintain barns, houses, and other structures on the ranch. General handyman skills required.
- Ranch Beautification: Maintain homestead areas, mow, manage weeds, control erosion, and care for the driveway and ditches.
- Guest Services: Provide outstanding guest experiences, including ranch orientations, shooting supervision, and upkeep of lodging areas (glamping tent, remote cabin, etc.).
- Crew Supervision: Occasionally supervise and assist with work crews on Saturdays.
Housing and Compensation:
- Year-round housing plus utilities (internet, phone, electricity, propane) provided: For six months of summer and fall, caretaker lives in a 27’ trailer (with electric hook-up). Caretaker lives in the guest house in winter and spring months.
- $30,000.
- Fishing and hunting privileges.
- Two weeks paid vacation.
- Free boarding for your horse if a gelding (own horse and tack not required).
- Use of ranch washer/dryer and freezer.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and own 4WD transportation.
- Health insurance and good references.
- Must pass a background check.
- Speak English.