Job Description

Ranch Manager – Dog Care & Training Operations

Top Dog SF | Montara, CA

Join the Pack at Top Dog SF

Top Dog SF is seeking a confident, experienced, and dog-savvy Ranch Manager to lead daily operations at our private dog ranch in Montara, CA.

This role is ideal for a hands-on dog professional who thrives outdoors, enjoys leading a team, and takes pride in creating a safe, enriching, and well-run environment for dogs and people alike.

The Doggie Ranch Manager is the day-to-day leader of the ranch—overseeing dog safety, supporting staff, managing logistics, and serving as the primary onsite point of contact. This is a leadership role with real responsibility, autonomy, and impact.

Why Work With Us

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting at $22+/hour, based on experience
• Monday–Friday schedule
• Consistent daytime hours, including:
• Approximately 4 - 5 hours per day onsite at the Dog Ranch
• Additional remote administrative hours as needed
• Back up Driver if needed
• Approximately 32+ hours per week

Perks & Benefits

• Paid sick time (up to 72 hours/year)
• Monthly health and mobile data reimbursements
• Pay raises and incentives after 90 days
• Referral bonuses
• Employer-sponsored IRA (CalSavers)
• Paid training and ongoing professional development
• Work outdoors at our private, secure dog ranch—not a chain or warehouse-style facility

The Role: Ranch Manager

As Ranch Manager, you will oversee the daily flow of dogs, people, and operations while remaining actively involved in dog handling and ranch life.

Core Responsibilities

Dog Care & Safety

• Supervise group play and provide enrichment activities
• Oversee daily dog activities and routines
• Monitor dog behavior, health, and group dynamics to ensure safety
• Conduct incident tracking as needed, including daily and weekly company-wide communication
• Support new dog trials and group dynamic assessments
• Ensure dogs' physical and emotional needs are met in all weather conditions

Team Leadership & Support

• Serve as the primary onsite leader and point of contact for Top Dog SF team members
• Lead brief daily huddles and support team communication
• Lead daily dog roll calls and schedule confirmations
• Support onboarding, training, and coaching of new hires
• Provide feedback and collaborate with leadership on performance and growth
• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented culture

Ranch Operations & Logistics

• Support daily transportation flow and ranch logistics
• Step in to cover employee breaks or call-outs when needed
• Assist with scheduling, dog placement, and transportation logistics as needed
• Conduct daily ranch, van, and equipment safety checks
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety standards at the Ranch
• Coordinate minor repairs, supplies, and vendor services for the dog ranch and company vans as needed

Client Communication & Reporting

• Communicate dog updates, incidents, and observations to leadership
• Support client questions or concerns as they arise
• Maintain accurate records, photos, and notes related to dogs' days

What We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you:

• Have hands-on experience working with groups of dogs
• Are calm, observant, and confident handling complex dog dynamics
• Enjoy leading by example and supporting a team
• Are reliable, organized, and solution-oriented
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Align with positive-reinforcement, force-free dog handling
• Can work outdoors year-round and meet the physical demands of the role

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certified positive-reinforcement trainer or education in positive-reinforcement training
• 1+ year experience in dog care, training, daycare, or a similar setting
• Leadership or supervisory experience (formal or informal)
• Reliable transportation
• Clean driving record

Physical & Work Requirements

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting (up to 50–75 lbs)
• Ability to move quickly, be agile, and manage active dogs
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Exposure to animal dander, dirt, and typical ranch environments

About Top Dog SF

Founded in 2004, Top Dog SF is an award-winning dog walking and positive-reinforcement training company serving San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Our private Montara ranch offers dogs a safe, enriching space for structured play, exploration, and learning. We are a small, values-driven business, not a chain. Every team member matters, and leadership is built through care, consistency, and professionalism.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Top Dog SF is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity and a people-first culture. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities.

Ready to Join the Pack?

Application Instructions

Apply today and help us create exceptional experiences for dogs, clients, and our team. Please complete the following two steps: 1. Apply through Jazz HR with your uploaded resume 2. Complete the Aptive Index Assessment

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