Ranchlands Program Manager

RANCHLANDS PROGRAM MANAGER
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) owns over 13,000 acres in Waller and Harris Counties, including a majority interest in the Warren Ranch, a 6,004-acre ranch. These lands are part of historic Katy Prairie, a prairie wetland complex supporting a large population of migratory birds and other wildlife that also supports cattle and farming. The Ranchlands Program Manager oversees Warren Ranch operations and assists with management of CPC’s rangelands, farmlands, and natural areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
CPC Preserve Management

• Work with Stewardship and Outreach Director to manage CPC-owned properties in accordance with budget and natural resource values.
• Identify land stewardship needs, priorities, and costs for responsible stewardship.
• Oversee land management projects.
• Apply for and manage conservation cost-share programs for funding, including CGRIP, EQIP, CSP, and others.
• Work with Stewardship and Outreach Director to develop budgets, track expenses, and ensure grant-funded expenses are submitted timely.
• Negotiate and oversee hunting, farming, and cattle grazing leases.

Warren Ranch

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the ranch.
• Develop and implement an annual plan and budget in accordance with long-term goals.
• With support from Cattle Manager, manage a healthy and profitable cattle operation and buy and sell cattle to optimize herd size and composition.
• Supervise and train ranch hands or contractors.
• Oversee agricultural and hunting leases.
• Ensure compliance with FSA, NRCS, and similar programs.
• Perform administrative and other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in rangeland ecology, agricultural or natural resources management, or business degree with an agricultural background.
• Familiarity with USDA programs administered by the FSA and NRCS.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting or willingness to learn.
• Understanding of natural coastal prairie ecosystem or willingness to learn.
• Experience with cattle operations preferred.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with the public both in writing and verbally.
• Experience with common software applications (Word, Excel) and willingness to learn other software.

LOCATION & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• In person on the Katy Prairie, Texas (50% Warren Ranch and 50% Indiangrass Preserve).
• Willing to work in physically demanding conditions in all weather conditions to perform essential job duties.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required.

COMPENSATION

• Salary commensurate with experience; range $52,000 – $75,000.
• Housing available at quaint farmhouse on the Warren Ranch.
• Health Insurance, Retirement Plan Contribution, paid vacation, and CPC holidays.
• As an exempt, salaried employee, no eligibility for overtime.