About the Calgary Stampede!
The Calgary Stampede is a not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes our western heritage, cultures and community spirit with a vision to create a world-class, year-round gathering place for the community. Exemplifying the theme, We're Greatest Together, the Stampede is one of the most respected volunteer-based organizations in the world governed by a Board of Directors with over 2,500 passionate volunteers and 1,200 year-round employees.
As an organization that exists for the benefit of the community, inclusion and equity are woven into our core values of western hospitality, pride of place, integrity, and commitment to the community. The world-class, year-round gathering place we have built for the community also welcomes visitors from around the world and those who are new to the local community. We know that blending diverse cultures with our long-standing traditions makes community spirit thrive.
Position Summary
The Livestock Coordinator/Flankman is a key member of the Transport division, supporting the Calgary Stampede Ranch and stock contracting operations. This position plays an essential role in the safe, efficient, and thoughtful transportation, handling, and management of animals used in rodeo events across North America. The role upholds the highest standards of animal welfare at every stage of transport and event operations, with a strong focus on daily animal care and performance readiness while on the road.
Spending nearly half the year-around 180 days-on the road, this position embodies the spirit of the rodeo lifestyle: early mornings, long hauls, and the deep satisfaction of seeing world-class bucking stock perform at their best. As a flankman, this position is also responsible for preparing bucking stock for competition under the guidance of the Manager, Stock Contracting, ensuring their safety, comfort, and optimal performance in the arena.
Roles and Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:
- Ensure the well-being of all rodeo stock while transporting them to local, National, and International events, including feeding, general care, and regular health checks.
- Oversee the care, and overall health of the rodeo stock, ensuring the animals are in peak condition for competition and event purposes. Monitor livestock health and coordinate with management for preventative care and treatments.
- Represent the Calgary Stampede to the highest standards while travelling and working various events, at times sharing knowledge about animal care and the Stampede's Born to Buck program. Engagement with both the rodeo community as well as the general public is an expectation.
- Work independently and take the lead in travel operations, making informed decisions, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
- At rodeo events, prepare the bucking stock for competition, prioritizing the animal's safety and well-being.
- Work collaboratively with other rodeo personnel to maintain safe, efficient, and professional event operations.
- Ensure that all activities, including livestock handling and equipment use, follow safety protocols, meeting, and exceeding industry regulations. Maintain a safe working environment. Monitor safety of rodeo stock even in off-hours to ensure animal and human safety.
- Safely and efficiently transport livestock between ranches, events, and venues across North America.
- Load, unload, and secure animals in compliance with Calgary Stampede animal care guidelines as well as animal welfare and transport regulations.
- Lead maintenance of vehicles with ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems as well as performing pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections, ensuring equipment and trailers are in top condition.
- Maintain proper documentation and record-keeping for all fleet vehicles including registrations, inspections, insurance, and maintenance logs.
- Shows a positive attitude toward learning new skills, following direction, and adapting to changing priorities as part of a collaborative team.
- Maintain accurate trip, animal care, and equipment records.
- Coordinate with event and rodeo management teams to ensure timely delivery and setup of livestock.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Valid Class 1 driver's license.
- Clean drivers abstract.
- 10+ years of experience in livestock handling and livestock transport.
- Legal eligibility for international travel.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with emphasis on documenting maintenance of vehicles.
- Familiarity with cross-border customs procedures and border security protocols.
- Compliance with both Canadian and U.S. trucking regulations, including hours of service and safety standards.
- Strong knowledge of animal welfare standards and regulations.
- Experience in loading, sorting, and handling rodeo livestock will be considered an asset.
- Preference to a candidate with rodeo/flanking experience.
- Requirement to live within 80 kilometers (50 miles) of Calgary Stampede Ranch.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- High level of physical fitness and attention to safety.
Benefits
The Calgary Stampede offers a unique and exciting work environment, an excellent total compensation package and the opportunity for advancement and employee training.
To Apply
To apply, please submit your resume.
All applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted