Equine and Rodeo Operations Manager in at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation

The Equine and Rodeo Operations Manager oversees a large-scale commercial horse operation, including a herd of 50+ horses, high-volume summer trail operations (6,000+ riders), and a dedicated rodeo arena. This leadership role is responsible for the financial, logistical, and operational success of the facility. The position manages 1–2 full-time Stable Managers who oversee up to 15 seasonal wranglers/guides as well as Rodeo Arena staff. Additionally, this individual is fully responsible for booking, staffing, securing, and executing all rodeo events.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Rodeo Management

Event Execution: Secure, contract, staff, and execute all rodeo arena events and productions.

Vendor Management: Coordinate with livestock contractors, stock providers, announcers, and emergency services for rodeos.

Financial Oversight: Manage budgets for the stables, trail operations, and arena events to maximize profitability.

Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict safety protocols for both high-volume public trail rides and high-risk rodeo events.

Staff Leadership & Supervision

Direct Reports: Manage and mentor 1–2 full-time Stable Managers and Rodeo grounds staff.

Seasonal Recruitment: Ensure we recruit, hire, train, and schedule up to 15 seasonal wranglers and rodeo grounds staff as required for the successful operation of the rodeo grounds.

Performance Standards: Cultivate a culture of excellent customer service, safety, and teamwork among guides, wranglers, and rodeo staff.

Equine Care & Herd Management

Herd Health: Mentor and assist as needed with the Stables Manager’s oversight of the procurement, health, nutrition, conditioning, and welfare of 50+ horses.

Logistics: Work with full-time Stable Managers to ensure proper veterinary care, farrier schedules, and feed/supplement procurement

Required Qualifications

Experience: 5+ years of equine facility management experience, preferably in a guest ranch, resort, or high-volume public trail operation.

Rodeo Expertise: Proven track record of producing, booking, or managing rodeo arena events and livestock operations.

Leadership: Minimum 3 years of experience managing full-time supervisory staff and large teams of seasonal employees.

Skills: Proficient in arena ground preparation (footing), tractor operation, budgeting, and guest relations.

Physical Requirements

Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 75 pounds frequently (e.g., hay bales, feed bags, tack, arena fencing).

Stamina: Capability to work 10+ hour shifts on your feet, walk multiple miles daily across rough terrain, and ride horses for extended periods if required.

Mobility: Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, crawling, and reaching overhead to inspect equipment, handle livestock, or perform facility maintenance.

Environmental Tolerance: Ability to work comfortably outdoors in extreme and rapidly changing weather conditions, including intense summer heat, heavy rain, high winds, and dense dust.

Dexterity: Manual skill required to operate heavy machinery (tractors, trucks, trailers), handle hand tools, secure knots, and safely manage unpredictable livestock or large horses.

Certifications and Licenses

Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.

Safety Certifications: Current certification in CPR and First Aid is required, or the candidate must successfully obtain this certification within 90 days of hire.

Disclaimer and Work Schedule Statement

Variable Schedule & Availability:

Due to the seasonal nature of trail operations and the scheduling of rodeo events, this position requires a highly flexible schedule. The regular work week fluctuates based on operational demands and will routinely require long hours, early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Candidates must have open availability during peak operating seasons