Qualifications
• Experience: Proven experience managing teams of 10 or more employees in cattle ranching, feedyard management, or agricultural operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Skills: Leadership, logistics, crisis management, inventory, cattle health/nutrition, knowledge of low-stress cattle handling, holistic management, and rotational grazing preferred.
• Attributes: Excel on FD’s core values of Striving, Accountability, Fundamentals, and Excellence. Hands on and hardworking, Detail-oriented, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision making.
• Location: Eastern Colorado
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: $80,000 - $120,000 depending on experience. Incentive and profit sharing possibilities.
PTO
Submission
Email PDF resumes to Jim@fdranch.com. PDF document Titled “Last Name, First Name Resume” (ie “Doe, Jane Resume”)
Work With Us
Job Description: Chief Operating Officer
About Flying Diamond Cattle Ranch
Flying Diamond is a fifth-generation, commercial cattle operation that manages 212,000 acres, primarily in Eastern Colorado. The ranch employs holistic management and planned grazing to optimize operations. Flying Diamond runs 4,000 bred cows and retains all calves as Yearlings.
Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees all cattle operations, ensuring efficient management of logistics, planning, equipment, and performance, while aligning with the company’s core focus of enhancing resources for generations through comprehensive ranch
management. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO leads teams in line with Flying Diamond’s core values of: Striving, Accountability, Fundamentals, and Excellence. This is a full-time, hands-on role requiring strong leadership and expertise in ranch operations.
Key Responsibilities
• Leadership and Accountability: Direct cattle operations team, conduct reviews; and manage crises.
• Logistics and Planning: Develop and execute annual plans for, Operating Budget, stocking and operating, animal nutrition, herd vaccination, equipment management, and labor.
• Division Oversight: Manage operations in Eastern CO (Kit Carson, Limon, Karval), Front Range (Colorado Springs, Pueblo), and Mountains (Westcliffe, Hillside) divisions.
• Cattle Processing Days: Work with ranch and division managers to plan and execute cattle processing days, ensuring efficient handling, health checks, and record-keeping.
• Performance Optimization: Collaborate on health and nutrition strategies; procure feed and inputs; and leverage technology for efficiency and data-driven decisions.