Ranch Rangeland / Horticulture Specialist needed in Choteau, Montana

Private

Email

dcicjobs@gmail.com

Location

Choteau, MT

Job Type

Full Time, Year round

Salary

DOE

Posted

September 29, 2025

Housing Offered

No

Experience

2-5 yrs

Sponsoring Work Visas?

No

How to Apply

Via Email

Position Overview:

The ranch Rangeland and Horticulture Specialist is responsible for the stewardship, restoration, and maintenance of plant ecosystems on the ranch. This role focuses on grassland management to support ecological balance, livestock health, land productivity, invasive weed control and sustainable horticulture.

Key Responsibilities:

Weed Control & Invasive Species Management

• Identify, map, and monitor noxious and invasive weed species.
• Develop and execute integrated weed management plans (mechanical, chemical, and biological controls).
• Apply herbicides in accordance with local laws, safety protocols and owner’s preferred use.
• Maintain weed management records.
• Report to regulatory agencies as required.
• Adhere to conservation easement standards and protocol.

Grassland Management & Restoration

• Monitor rangeland conditions and plant diversity using ecological indicators.
• Work with livestock management team to create rotational and adaptive grazing plans promoting native rangeland health.
• Implement reseeding and native grass restoration projects as required.
• Utilize industry standard and additional methods to enhance plant community health.

Native Landscape Maintenance

• Ability to implement and maintain landscape designs provided by owners or landscape architect.
• Maintain areas around residences for desired presentation.
• Support ranch road planning, installation and maintenance with vehicle safety an equal priority to minimal disturbance of native landscapes.
• Help repair damage to trees and plant communities caused by historic land disturbances.

Horticulture & Vegetation Management

• Maintain and improve native rangeland.
• Maintain planted native landscape around buildings
• Monitor plant health and apply eco-conscious pest and disease management methods.
• Collaborate with staff to manage seasonal displays.

Leadership and Education:

• Ability to lead and manage 2-3 seasonal staff
• Stay current with industry advancements in grassland management and noxious weed mitigation.
• Peer collaboration: Participate in knowledge sharing initiatives with peers and industry professionals.

Preferred Skills and Traits:

• Passion for land stewardship and regenerative agriculture.
• Strong observation skills and ability to problem solve.
• Familiarity with GPS mapping and recordkeeping software.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a hands-on role in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Possess good communication skills to collaborate with ranch staff, owners and consultants.

Working Conditions:

• Physical labor includes but not limited to bending, walking, pulling weeds and working in rugged terrain.
• Exposure to livestock, wildlife and EPA approved chemicals as part of regular duties.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree or certification in horticulture, rangeland ecology, plant science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Ability to manage seasonal staff
• Strong plant identification skills, especially native grasses, cultivated grasses, and invasive plants.
• Have familiarity with both plains and alpine trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs.
• Understand ranchland classifications; e.g., BLM, State, Forest Service, and deeded ownership
• Experience with integrated weed management and herbicide application (license preferred or willingness to obtain a pesticide applicators license).
• Knowledge of soil science, erosion control, and land regeneration practices.
• Ability to operate machinery and tools safely (e.g., sprayers, equipment, ATVs).

General Requirements:

• Able to work both independently and with others
• Willing to take direction
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor/backcountry environment
• Safely operate ATV/UTV (training provided)
• Able to safely operate a variety of tools and equipment; e.g. chainsaw, hand tools and power tools.
• Travel between properties required
• Basic CPR and First Aid (training provided)
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Physically able to perform labor intensive tasks.
• Valid driver’s license
• Willing to submit a background check and pass if offered a position.
• Must be 18 years of age
• Legal to work in the US
• Smoking and vaping, of any substance, is prohibited on ranch property
• Willing to help other ranch employees as needed.

TO APPLY:

Forward cover letter & resume to our email address.

Email
dcicjobs@gmail.com

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Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Farm Ranch Jobs, Featured Jobs, Groundskeeping / Land Management Jobs, Organic / Regenerative Ranch Jobs, Ranch Hand Jobs, Ranch Supervisor Jobs