Contractual Cattle Ranch Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Ranch Manager - Big Horns Land and Cattle ? South Texas ? Full-Time, On-Site?Compensation: $50,000?$75,000 per year, depending on experience?Big Horns Land and Cattle is a 1,080-acre private ranch operating under a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Managed Lands Deer Program Permit (Conservation Option), with an established habitat improvement plan, camera survey infrastructure, a 50+ head mother cow herd, and the equipment and budget to do the work properly. As Ranch Manager, you will serve as the ranch's on-site biologist and operational lead ? building a portfolio of habitat treatments, survey data, and herd management decisions that are unambiguously your own.? You will not be doing it alone. The Ranch Manager works directly with our ranch partners based at our Kingsville ranch, who provide ongoing mentorship in wildlife management, range practice, and ranch operations.??About the RanchEstablished in 2016, Big Horns is a private South Texas ranch focused on conservation and restoration of native wildlife habitat alongside a sustainable, year-round cattle operation. Thorny brush, prickly pear flats, salt flats, native grasslands, and live oak mottes support bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, bobcats, javelina, migratory birds, and protected and endangered species. Habitat improvement includes discing, shredding, seeding, supplemental water programs, and IPT brush management. The cattle herd is managed to replicate historical native grazing patterns ? an integrated approach to conservation and production rather than two operations run in parallel.?Key ResponsibilitiesServe as on-site Game Manager and Biologist, leading wildlife conservation efforts and TPWD permit complianceExecute habitat improvement activities including discing, shredding, seeding, supplemental water management, and IPT brush managementMaintain and monitor the camera system for wildlife survey data collection and security; keep all feeders operational and stockedGuide approved hunting and ranch activities?Manage all aspects of the cattle operation, including day-to-day herd care, grazing management, and livestock salesOversee daily operations and maintain the property, grounds, road network, ranch house, shop, and cooler to a high standardOperate and maintain tractor, Brush Hog, trucks, and other ranch equipmentProcure feed, supplies, and materials; negotiate and supervise third-party contractorsRespond to infrequent ranch alarms; enforce access policy and liability release requirementsEnsure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and TPWD permit requirementsParticipate in short-term assignments at our Kingsville-area ranch on an as-needed basis?What We ProvideCompensation: $50,000?$75,000 per year, depending on experienceRanch truck and fuel provided for work useStructured mentorship from our ranch partners at our Kingsville ranchA well-resourced operation ? established habitat plan, equipment, infrastructure, and budgetBenefits: stipend for medical insurance providedNote: On-site housing is not provided. The Ranch Manager is expected to reside within reasonable proximity to the ranch.?QualificationsRequired: Hands-on experience or strong academic foundation in wildlife habitat management and range/livestock operations; familiarity with South Texas ecology, native species, and brush management; availability to respond to infrequent security alerts outside standard hours; valid driver's license; strong work ethic and ability to work independently.?Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Animal Science, or related field (recent graduates with relevant experience encouraged to apply); proficiency with tractors, Brush Hogs, and ranch equipment; knowledge of TPWD MLDP requirements; hunting operations and guiding experience; mechanical aptitude; contractor coordination; familiarity with wildlife camera systems.?Work ConditionsFull-time, on-site in South Texas. Significant outdoor work in variable weather, manual labor, and routine heavy equipment operation. Availability outside standard business hours for security alarms or operational emergencies.