Doggie Ranch Manager

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.