Big Horns Land and Cattle
Why This Role
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 Ranch
Established in 2016, Big Horns Land and Cattle is a private South Texas ranch focused on the conservation and restoration of native wildlife habitat alongside a sustainable, year-round cattle operation. The landscape encompasses thorny brush, prickly pear flats, salt flats, native grasslands, and live oak mottes — supporting bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, bobcats, javelina, migratory birds, and various protected and endangered species.
The ranch actively pursues habitat improvement through discing, shredding, seeding, supplemental water programs, and Individual Plant Treatment (IPT) brush management. The cattle herd is managed to replicate historical native grazing patterns that support long-term rangeland health — an integrated approach to conservation and production rather than two operations run in parallel.
Infrastructure includes water wells and troughs, ponds, wildlife-friendly fencing, barns, deer processing facilities, protein feeders, cattle pens, an extensive road network, and a camera system used for both security monitoring and wildlife survey data collection.
Position Overview
Big Horns Land and Cattle is seeking a motivated, hands-on Ranch Manager to lead all daily ranch operations. This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for a candidate with a strong foundation in wildlife and range management — recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply. The Ranch Manager serves as the primary on-site representative, responsible for the safety, productivity, and long-term stewardship of the ranch.
Key Responsibilities
Wildlife & Habitat Management
- Serve as on-site Game Manager and Biologist, leading wildlife conservation efforts and TPWD permit compliance
- Execute habitat improvement activities including discing, shredding, seeding, supplemental water management, and IPT brush management
- Maintain and monitor the camera system for wildlife survey data collection and security
- Ensure all feeders are operational, filled, and consistently stocked
- Guide approved hunting and ranch activities
Livestock Management
- Manage all aspects of the cattle operation, including day-to-day herd care and grazing management aligned with the ranch’s native grazing model
- Conduct or facilitate livestock sales and related transactions on behalf of Big Horns Land and Cattle
Ranch & Equipment Management
- Oversee daily ranch operations and maintain the property, grounds, and road network to a high standard
- Keep the ranch house, shop, and cooler organized, clean, and in good working order
- Operate tractor, Brush Hog, and other ranch equipment as required
- Ensure all trucks and ranch equipment are well maintained and in reliable working condition
Procurement & Contractor Management
- Procure feed, supplies, and materials required for ranch operations
- Negotiate, manage, and supervise third-party contractors as needed on behalf of Big Horns Land and Cattle
Security & Access Control
- Respond to ranch alarms by reporting to the property to assess the situation and check for unauthorized entry (infrequent).
- Enforce the policy that no guests or hunting are permitted on the ranch except on an approved exception basis
- Ensure all approved visitors sign the required written liability release prior to entering the property
Compliance & Partner Support
- Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and policies, including TPWD permit requirements
- Participate in short-term assignments at our other ranch in the Kingsville area on an as-needed basis, working alongside our ranch partners
What We Provide
- Compensation: $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience
- Ranch truck and fuel provided for work use
- Structured mentorship from our ranch partners at our Kingsville ranch in wildlife management, range practice, and ranch operations
- A well-resourced operation — established habitat plan, equipment, infrastructure, and budget to execute the work properly
- Additional benefits: Stipend provided for medical insurance.
- Note: On-site housing is not provided. The Ranch Manager is expected to reside within reasonable proximity to the ranch to support operational response.
Qualifications
Required
- 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 practices
- Availability to respond to infrequent security alerts outside standard business hours
- Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate ranch vehicles
- Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and ability to work independently
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Animal Science, or a closely related field (recent graduates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply)
- Proficiency operating tractors, Brush Hogs, and general ranch equipment
- Knowledge of TPWD Managed Lands Deer Program requirements and conservation permit compliance
- Experience with or knowledge of hunting operations and guiding
- Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
- Experience managing or coordinating third-party contractors
- Familiarity with wildlife camera systems and survey data collection
Work Conditions
This is a full-time, on-site position based at the ranch in South Texas. The Ranch Manager must be available to respond to ranch needs outside of standard business hours, particularly in response to security alarms or operational emergencies. The role involves significant outdoor work in variable weather conditions, manual labor, and routine operation of heavy equipment.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to reach out directly to Griselda G. via email address listed.
Email
[email protected]
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