Preserve and Ranch Manager

Katy Prairie Conservancy Published: November 10, 2021
Location
United States of America
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Admin/ Gen Mgmt / Natural Resources/ Restoration

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Description

Since 1992, the Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) has been working to protect the prairie for people and wildlife while there is still time. We are a nationally accredited 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Houston, Texas, and a trusted leader in local land conservation.

We are also the largest local land conservation organization, by acreage, in southeast Texas. Over 24,000 acres of the coastal prairie are now protected. Conservation efforts by the Katy Prairie Conservancy keep land in agriculture for local farmers and ranchers and provide one of the last strongholds for wildlife in the region.

KPC’s groundbreaking community-based conservation programs afford a place for families to have naturebased adventures, and have earned KPC local, statewide, and national awards. And timelier than ever, these protected lands aid with flood control, contribute to the protection of our watersheds, and create a resilient landscape from the prairie to the Gulf Coast.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

On the Katy Prairie in Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties, KPC owns nearly 13,500 acres and protects over 4,200 acres through conservation agreements with private landowners. The protected lands include its majority ownership interest in the Warren Ranch, a 6,004-acre working cattle ranch that is owned jointly with two other co-owners who are members of the original family who founded the ranch.

The Preserve and Ranch Manager will have responsibility of the day-to-day management of the preserves and the ranch; the Preserve Manager is expected to work as part of a team to achieve the goals established for the preserve and ranch and will keep all owners informed of progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE

  • Implement and update short- and long-term property management plans
  • Define needs and budgets for property management and maintenance
  • Coordinate all aspects of construction or improvement projects, including oversight of contractors, suppliers, etc.
  • Control access to properties; monitor fences, deal with trespass issues
  • Maintain structures, tools, and equipment

PRAIRIE AND WETLAND RESTORATION

  • Learn and implement practices for restoration of native tallgrass prairie and wetlands, including prescribed burns, brush and invasive species control, grazing management
  • Apply for and manage C-GRIP, EQIP, and other programs for funding

PROPERTY MONITORING

  • Document property conditions of all preserve properties at least annually, with assistance from the stewardship committee and as assigned by KPC’s Conservation Director
  • Review recommendations for addressing issues

WARREN RANCH PASTURE HEALTH

  • Implement sustainable grazing plan on Warren Ranch as developed internally or with outside consultant Improve and maintain pasture health

WARREN RANCH CATTLE OPERATIONS

  • Review the current ranch practices and manage a healthy and profitable cattle operation
  • Supervise Cattle Manager to buy and sell cattle within budgets to optimize herd size and composition
  • Supervise Cattle Manager regarding haying, feed needs, and veterinary care
  • Supervise and train contractors or ranch hands to assist with ranch operations

WARREN RANCH AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS

  • Participate in Federal Farm Programs, including compliance with current Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) requirements

WARREN RANCH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

  • Work with Warren Ranch accountant to ensure proper recordkeeping and reporting
  • Maintain communications with Warren family members

OTHER

  • Assist with research groups and others requiring access, under the supervision of the Conservation Director
  • Maintain Warren Lake Viewing Platform
  • Cooperate with Conservation Director regarding practices such as disking and plowing to improve habitat for hunting
  • Manage water well usage and relationship with Harris County Subsidence District
  • Assist Conservation Director regarding oil and gas and other mineral activities

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Applicant must be willing to work in physically demanding conditions, after hours and on weekends, as necessary, in all weather conditions to perform essential job duties.
  • These include the health and welfare of the livestock along with other production and management activities such as hay production and wildlife management activities in addition to helping improve on-the-ground conditions of soil and grassland health.
  • The ideal candidate will understand the balance between having a profitable preserve and ranch operation while ensuring the health of the natural resources found on the preserve.
  • The ideal candidate will be willing to attend classes and workshops to learn new practices, work with others in the agricultural, conservation and ranching community, and explore new ideas and programs that will make the preserve and ranch a model enterprise.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in Range Management, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources Management, or similar field of study desired. Knowledge of or willingness to learn cattle health software, Microsoft Office, Landscape, and other software.
  • Knowledge and ability to use GIS preferred but not required.

SALARY

  • Commensurate with experience.
  • Other benefits include Health Insurance for Employee and participation in the institutional retirement plan.
  • A truck will be provided.
  • Applicant must have a current driver’s license.

Note: As an exempt, salaried employee, the Preserve and Ranch Manager is not eligible for overtime.

TO APPLY

  • If interested, please click "Apply" below to  email cover letter and resume or statement of qualifications to Elisa Donovan. 
  • Candidate will be required to pass background check and provide references upon request.

The Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) is a 501(c)(3) land trust accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. As an equal employment opportunity employer, KPC is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KPC is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, and innovation.

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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