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Ranch Manager Jobs in Ridgway, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Ranch Manager information

See Ridgway, CO salary details

$24.9K

$55.1K

$94.5K

How much do ranch manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for ranch manager in Ridgway, CO is $55,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ranch manager?

A ranch manager is a farm professional who is responsible for the daily operations on a ranch. Ranch managers raise, care for, and in some cases, oversee the slaughter of livestock. They may also maintain machinery and structures that house animals, as well as purchase feed, equipment, and supplies. Ranch managers must also ensure that all animals are being raised to meet market standards and applicable regulations.

What does a ranch manager do?

A Ranch Manager oversees the daily operations of a ranch, which may include managing livestock, crops, staff, equipment, and budgeting. They are responsible for the health and productivity of animals, maintenance of facilities, and often handle purchasing, sales, and marketing of ranch products. Ranch Managers may also implement breeding programs, ensure compliance with regulations, and address environmental concerns such as land conservation. Their role is crucial to the profitability and sustainability of the ranch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a ranch manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ranch Manager, you need strong knowledge of livestock management, pasture maintenance, and business operations, often supported by a degree in agriculture or animal science. Familiarity with ranch management software, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are critical soft skills for overseeing staff and coordinating daily operations. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring the ranch runs efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.

What are some common challenges ranch managers face in balancing livestock health with budget constraints?

Ranch Managers often need to make strategic decisions that ensure the health and productivity of their livestock while staying within tight budgetary limits. This includes prioritizing expenditures on feed, veterinary care, and equipment maintenance, as well as adapting to fluctuations in market prices and weather conditions. Effective Ranch Managers regularly monitor herd health, implement preventive care, and seek cost-efficient solutions, all while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Collaborating with veterinarians, suppliers, and ranch staff is key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining a profitable operation.

What is the difference between Ranch Manager vs Farm Supervisor?

AspectRanch ManagerFarm Supervisor
CredentialsExperience in ranch operations, possibly some certifications in agriculture or livestock managementExperience in crop or livestock management, often with certifications in agriculture or horticulture
Work EnvironmentLarge ranches, livestock-focused, outdoor, rural settingsFarms or agricultural operations, crop or livestock-focused, outdoor, rural or semi-rural
Employer & IndustryRanching companies, livestock farms, agricultural businessesFarming operations, agricultural companies, horticulture businesses

The Ranch Manager and Farm Supervisor roles share similarities in managing agricultural operations and requiring relevant experience. However, Ranch Managers typically oversee livestock and large-scale ranch activities, while Farm Supervisors often focus on crop production or smaller-scale farm tasks. Both roles demand practical knowledge of agriculture, but their specific responsibilities and work environments differ based on the type of farm or ranch.

What cities near Ridgway, CO are hiring for Ranch Manager jobs?

Cities near Ridgway, CO with the most Ranch Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Ranch Manager job openings in Ridgway, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,126 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Wildland Firefighter (Fire Suppression)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Montrose, CO • On-site

$44K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit
.The purpose of these positions is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew. Other wildland fire related duties might involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-03: You must have minimum six (6) months experience of any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter position, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation. -OR- Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience required for a GW-03. -OR- an appropriate combination of experience and education.
Examples of General Experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
For the GW-04: You must have six (6) months of general work experience or military service that demonstrated the ability to follow directions and to read, understand, and retain a variety of instructions, regulations, and procedures and that otherwise demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the duties of the position. AND six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-03 in the federal service or equivalent. -OR- Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-4. OR an appropriate combination of experience and education.
Examples of General Experience may include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
Selective Placement Factors
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
Selective Placement Factor for Promotion to GW-5: This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training.
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER

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