Ranch Manager - Big Horns Land and Cattle • South Texas • Full-Time, On-Site

Compensation: $50,000-$75,000 per year, depending on experience

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 is a private South Texas ranch focused on conservation and restoration of native wildlife habitat alongside a sustainable, year-round cattle operation. Thorny brush, prickly pear flats, salt flats, native grasslands, and live oak mottes support bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, bobcats, javelina, migratory birds, and protected and endangered species. Habitat improvement includes discing, shredding, seeding, supplemental water programs, and IPT brush management. The cattle herd is managed to replicate historical native grazing patterns — an integrated approach to conservation and production rather than two operations run in parallel.

Key Responsibilities

• 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; keep all feeders operational and stocked
• Guide approved hunting and ranch activities
•  Manage all aspects of the cattle operation, including day-to-day herd care, grazing management, and livestock sales
• Oversee daily operations and maintain the property, grounds, road network, ranch house, shop, and cooler to a high standard
• Operate and maintain tractor, Brush Hog, trucks, and other ranch equipment
• Procure feed, supplies, and materials; negotiate and supervise third-party contractors
• Respond to infrequent ranch alarms; enforce access policy and liability release requirements
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and TPWD permit requirements
• Participate in short-term assignments at our Kingsville-area ranch on an as-needed basis

What We Provide

• Compensation: $50,000-$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
• A well-resourced operation — established habitat plan, equipment, infrastructure, and budget
• Benefits: stipend for medical insurance provided
• Note: On-site housing is not provided. The Ranch Manager is expected to reside within reasonable proximity to the ranch.

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; availability to respond to infrequent security alerts outside standard hours; valid driver's license; strong work ethic and ability to work independently.

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Range Management, Animal Science, or related field (recent graduates with relevant experience encouraged to apply); proficiency with tractors, Brush Hogs, and ranch equipment; knowledge of TPWD MLDP requirements; hunting operations and guiding experience; mechanical aptitude; contractor coordination; familiarity with wildlife camera systems.

Work Conditions

Full-time, on-site in South Texas. Significant outdoor work in variable weather, manual labor, and routine heavy equipment operation. Availability outside standard business hours for security alarms or operational emergencies.