Filled / Expired
Cedar Cove Ranch
Email
Email Address Hidden
Location
Eustace, TX
Job Type
Full Time, Year round
Salary
$50,000 to $60,000
Posted
August 3, 2025
Housing Offered
Yes
Experience
5-10 yrs
Sponsoring Work Visas?
No
Cedar Cove Ranch is seeking an experienced Wildlife and Hunting Operations Manager to lead our comprehensive wildlife management, hunting operations, fishing, and shooting sports programs. This full-time position focuses primarily on wildlife management and hunting operations (75%) with additional responsibilities in guiding (25%). The successful candidate will balance strategic wildlife conservation with hands-on program management while coaching our guides and providing guide services/hospitality services to our guests.
PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU HAVE NO LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND ARE LOOKING PRIMARILY TO ONLY GUIDE
Key Responsibilities
Wildlife Management, Hunting Operations, Fishing & Shooting Sports (75% of the role)
Wildlife Population Management
- Conduct regular wildlife surveys, population assessments, and herd monitoring
- Track comprehensive wildlife inventory including births, deaths, and population changes
- Monitor and document death loss from disease, predation, and environmental factors
- Analyze age structure, genetic diversity, and population health indicators
- Track seasonal movements, habitat usage patterns, and breeding success
- Maintain comprehensive wildlife databases, harvest records, and client harvest documentation
- Coordinate with veterinarians on herd health, disease prevention, and mortality investigations
- Work with veterinary professionals on health protocols and treatment programs
Predator Management & Population Control
- Develop and implement comprehensive predator management strategies
- Coordinate with professional trappers and predator control specialists
- Monitor predator populations and their impact on game species
- Maintain predator control equipment and coordinate seasonal trapping efforts
- Document predator-related mortality and assess management effectiveness
Hunting, Fishing & Shooting Sports Operations
- Develop and implement annual hunting strategies and quota systems
- Coordinate hunting seasons, client bookings, and guide scheduling
- Oversee fishing operations including pond/lake management and guide services
- Manage shooting sports facilities including clay shooting and range operations
- Track and document all client harvests, fishing success rates, and shooting sports participation
- Work with Hospitality team to integrate all outdoor activities with guest services
- Ensure compliance with all hunting, fishing, and shooting regulations
- Coordinate with Grounds Management on activity area preparation and maintenance
- Maintain detailed records of client success rates and satisfaction metrics across all programs
Habitat & Land Management
- Design and execute habitat improvement projects and food plot programs
- Manage water sources, feeders, and hunting blind placement
- Coordinate brush management, prescribed burning, and land restoration
- Oversee maintenance of roads, gates, and access infrastructure
Operations & Staff Management
- Supervise hunting guides, fishing guides, ranch hands, and seasonal staff
- Manage contracted guides and temporary staffing arrangements
- Coordinate contractor performance evaluations and scheduling
- Conduct comprehensive staff training on safety, wildlife identification, scoring and client services
- Negotiate contracts with independent guides and specialized service providers
- Collaborate with Hospitality and Grounds Management teams for seamless operations
Financial Management & P&L Responsibility
- Manage wildlife and hunting operations budget and profit & loss accountability
- Analyze revenue streams, pricing strategies, and cost optimization across all programs
- Track operational expenses including feed, equipment, and infrastructure costs, etc.
- Prepare financial reports and forecasts for ranch ownership
- Identify opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost reduction
Infrastructure Management
- Oversee hunting blind construction, placement, and maintenance
- Manage fishing facilities including docks, boats, and pond/lake infrastructure
- Oversee shooting sports facilities including ranges, clay throwers, and safety equipment
- Coordinate infrastructure projects with Grounds Management and Hospitality teams
- Maintain vehicles, UTVs, boats, and specialized equipment fleet
- Ensure all facilities complement ranch aesthetics and enhance guest experience
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain all required permits for hunting, fishing, and shooting operations
- Prepare reports for state wildlife and fisheries agencies
- Manage relationships with regulatory agencies and conservation partners
- Document activity data and success rates for analysis and reporting
Field Guiding Services (25% of role)
- Client Guiding and hospitality
- Guide premium hunts, fishing trips, and shooting sports activities for VIP clients and others as necessary
- Support hospitality with non hunting retreats
- Provide expert instruction on techniques, safety, and equipment usage
- Share knowledge of local wildlife behavior and habitat characteristics
- Ensure exceptional client experiences and satisfaction across all outdoor activities
Guide Mentoring & Training
- Train and mentor guides in hunting, fishing, and shooting sports best practices
- Demonstrate professional guiding standards and client interaction
- Lead by example in safety protocols and ethical outdoor practices
- Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to all outdoor staff
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Biology, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of combined wildlife management and outdoor operations experience
- Proven experience in professional guiding services (hunting, fishing, or shooting sports)
- Demonstrated P&L management and budget oversight experience
- Strong knowledge of Texas wildlife, exotics, habitats, hunting/fishing regulations, and predator management
- Experience with outdoor infrastructure development and maintenance
- Proven experience in inventory tracking, mortality documentation, and harvest record keeping
- Valid Texas hunting and fishing licenses
- Strong leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop diverse teams
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Physical fitness for outdoor work and extended field time
- Experience managing contracted guides and temporary staff
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Wildlife Management or related field
- Previous LEADERSHIP experience managing hunting operations, fishing programs, and shooting sports facilities
- Business management or finance coursework/experience
- Construction or facilities management background
- Advanced knowledge of habitat management and restoration techniques
- Knowledge of predator control methods and trapping techniques
- Experience with aquaculture and fisheries management
- Shooting sports instruction certifications
- Network of contacts with outdoor industry professionals and contractors
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Proficiency across multiple outdoor disciplines and weapon systems
Personal Attributes
- Strong conservation ethic and commitment to sustainable outdoor practices
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse clientele
- Strong business acumen with analytical and financial management skills
- Proven leadership abilities with experience managing diverse teams and contractors
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to adapt to changing conditions
- Project management skills for infrastructure development
- Professional demeanor representing Cedar Cove Ranch values
- Passion for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation
Working Conditions
- Full-time position with intensive periods during peak outdoor seasons
- Extensive outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Early morning and late evening hours, especially during peak seasons
- Weekend and holiday work required during outdoor activity seasons
- On-call availability for operational needs and client services
- Physical demands include walking long distances, carrying equipment, and operating boats/vehicles
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Performance bonuses tied to operational success and client satisfaction
- Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities
- Access to ranch facilities and outdoor activity opportunities
- Potential for ranch housing depending on availability
TO APPLY:
Email cover letter, detailed resume, and three professional references. Include specific examples of:
- Wildlife management projects you’ve led
- Outdoor operations experience (hunting, fishing, shooting sports)
- Guiding experience and client testimonials
- P&L management and budget oversight experience
- Leadership and team management accomplishments
- Relevant certifications and training
Cedar Cove Ranch is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to wildlife conservation, sustainable outdoor practices, and exceptional guest experiences.
Email
Email Address Hidden
See More
Texas Ranch Jobs
Posted In
Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Fly Fishing Ranch Jobs, Guest / Dude Ranch Jobs, Hunting Ranch Jobs, Outfitter Jobs, Ranch Accountant / Bookkeeper Jobs, Ranch Jobs with Housing, Ranch Manager Jobs, Ranch Supervisor Jobs, Resort / Recreational Ranch Jobs