1

Hunting Ranch Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Ranch Hand

Questa, NM · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Ranch Hand/Laborer Name of Ranch/Business: Waltrip Ranches/Tres Ritos Ranch (TRR) Location: Questa ... Oversee EPLUS hunting operations and accommodating guests who are approved and licensed to hunt ...

Perform fieldwork and mobile services as needed for ranch calls and emergency cases. * Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and education. * Diagnose and treat ...

Hunting Ranch information

See New Mexico salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do hunting ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for hunting ranch in New Mexico is $20.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs on a Hunting Ranch?

Jobs at a hunting ranch include a variety of workers who are either involved in guest services and maintaining various aspects of ranch operations. Your duties as a ranch guide involve taking guests on hunting trips around the property. In this position, your main objective is to help guests seek out animals. Your responsibilities also include ensuring their safety by providing instruction in firearm use if necessary. Ranch hands perform maintenance around the property, care for hunting dogs and other domesticated animals, and provide additional support services. Big-game ranches and other large ranches sometimes have cooks, housekeepers, and other hospitality staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hunting Ranch Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hunting Ranch Manager, you need knowledge of wildlife management, land stewardship, hunting regulations, and often a degree in wildlife biology or natural resources. Familiarity with GPS mapping, habitat management tools, and compliance systems for state and federal regulations is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and customer service skills help build positive relationships with staff and clients. These abilities ensure effective ranch operations, legal compliance, and a safe, enjoyable experience for guests and wildlife alike.

What are some of the common challenges faced by staff working at a hunting ranch, and how can they be effectively managed?

Staff at a hunting ranch often face challenges such as managing wildlife populations ethically, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining the property in varying weather conditions. Balancing guest expectations for a successful hunt with conservation practices requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Effective teamwork and regular training are key to addressing these challenges, as is adaptability to the seasonal nature of the work. Collaboration with guides, maintenance crews, and hospitality staff ensures a smooth operation and a positive experience for guests.

What is a hunting ranch?

A hunting ranch is a privately owned property where individuals can hunt game animals in a controlled and managed environment. These ranches often stock native or exotic species, provide guided hunts, and offer amenities like lodging and meals to guests. Rules and regulations typically apply to ensure ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. Hunting ranches can cater to both experienced hunters and beginners, often providing equipment and expert guidance. They are popular destinations for recreational hunting and sometimes for wildlife observation as well.

What is the difference between Hunting Ranch vs Hunting Guide?

AspectHunting RanchHunting Guide
Primary RoleManages and maintains a hunting property, overseeing operations and wildlife managementAssists clients during hunts, providing safety, guidance, and expertise in hunting techniques
Required CredentialsWildlife management certifications, ranch management experienceHunting licenses, safety certifications, sometimes guides have specialized hunting certifications
Work EnvironmentRural, outdoor, large private propertiesOutdoor, on-site at hunting locations, often on private or leased land
Employer & Industry UsageHunting ranches, wildlife reserves, outdoor recreation industryHunting outfitters, outdoor recreation companies, private hunting lodges

In summary, a Hunting Ranch focuses on managing the property and wildlife, while a Hunting Guide provides direct assistance and expertise to hunters during their hunts. Both roles are essential in the hunting industry but serve different functions within the hunting experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico? For Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Hunting Ranch jobs in New Mexico are:
Infographic showing various Hunting Ranch job openings in New Mexico as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,937 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Ranch Hand

Waltrip Ranches

Questa, NM • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Ranch Hand/Laborer

Name of Ranch/Business: Waltrip Ranches/Tres Ritos Ranch (TRR)

Location: Questa, NM

Position Type: Full-Time

About Tres Ritos Ranch:

Tres Ritos Ranch (TRR) is a family owned and operated ranch for over 50 years located near Cerro, New Mexico. TRR is a premier ranching operation settled on 3,100 acres in the picturesque landscape of Northern New Mexico adjacent to both Carson National Forest and Latir Peaks Wilderness Area. TRR is dedicated to the stewardship of our land, livestock, and wildlife that dwell in “la buena vida en la cima del mundo.”

Position Overview:

The Ranch Hand is responsible for the overall management, oversite, and operation of TRR. This position also oversees, caretakes, maintains, upkeeps the ranch land, property, equipment, facilities, livestock, wildlife, and ensures the ranch is operating in accordance with the goals and objectives of the ranch management. Furthermore, the Ranch Hand is responsible for identifying necessary activities related to ranch infrastructure and operations. This position includes, but is not limited to, contract labor supervision, livestock, farming, land and resource management, and oversight of NMDGF EPLUS Elk Private Land Use System. Additionally, the Ranch Hand coordinates with the home office and ownership, and ensures all responsibilities are successfully completed in a timely, efficient, and professional manner. The ideal candidate will be a visionary with a strong background in ranch management, a commitment to natural resource conservation, exceptional leadership skills, and have the characteristics of an honest, competent, dedicated worker, team member, and leader.

Key Responsibilities:

- Land and Resource Management: Implement land management plans that advances the ranch’s unique ecosystems. Oversee farming, forestry, and habitat enhancements.

- Infrastructure Management: Maintain ranch infrastructures such as fences, ponds, roads, corals, water systems, ditches, and irrigation (per federal and state protocol). Note, surface flood irrigation on approximately 200 surface acres diverting from three separate water sources. Maintain and upkeep of all ranch buildings and owner’s private residence and yard. Maintenance of ranch equipment including vehicles and farm equipment. Supervise construction and repairs/maintenance as required. Manage ranch beautification and upkeep of facilities and landscaping projects.

- Record Keeping: Assist home office with any records pertinent to the ranch.

- Animal Husbandry: Oversee the health, nutrition, and overall welfare of the habitat and resources.

- Contract Labor Supervision: Manage contract labor. Ensure a safe and productive work environment.

- Community Relations: Maintain positive relationships with the local community, including landowners, conservation groups, and governmental agencies (including Acequias).

- Security: Monitor security of the property and ensure all gates and buildings are locked. Prevent trespassing and unauthorized ingress and egress.

- Hunting Operations: Oversee EPLUS hunting operations and accommodating guests who are approved and licensed to hunt.

- Responsible for any other tasks assigned by management.

Qualifications:

- Candidates must have extensive knowledge and experience in farm and ranch management.

- Preferred candidate should be bilingual in Spanish.

- Basic computer and technical skills required.

- Ranch Hand preferred to live on-site. Applicant must be comfortable and accustomed to remote country living and location and must be able to acclimate to a base elevation of 7,800 ft above sea level.

- Must be available 24 hours per day (on call for questions, emergencies, etc.).

- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cohesive working relationships with the ownership and home office.

- Competent in completing multiple tasks of differing priorities.

- Thoroughly understand and abide by ranch any and all policies and procedures.

- Required training to be provided by the retiring Ranch Manager.

- Experience with the operations, maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment, tractors, implements, and ranch vehicles.

- Demonstrated experience in animal and wildlife husbandry and sustainable agricultural practices.

- Expertise in water management (including federal and state irrigation practices and Acequias protocol).

- Working knowledge of ranch management principles.

- Experience in raising and harvesting hay, planting, and farming operations.

- Skilled in upkeep/maintenance of ranch buildings, structures, residences, etc.

- Demonstrate a high standard of work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility and diligence.

- Excellent initiative, leadership, independence, decision-making, interpersonal, and communication skills.

- Commitment and loyalty to management and their objectives of TRR.

Pay: $15-$20/hour