Ranch Manager Private Hunting Ranch

"Hands-On" Ranch Manager (Hunting & Hospitality) 1,200+ Acre High-Fenced Private Hunting Ranch -

Whitetail & Exotics Location:

Crystal City, Texas (On-Site)

Compensation:

$75,000+ (DOE) + Housing + Utilities +

Truck/Allowance Type:

Full-Time | Live-On-Site (Separate Foreman House) Must be able to legally possess firearms and pass a background check The Mission We are hiring a hands-on Ranch Manager to help lead daily operations at a 1,200-acre private hunting ranch in South Texas, featuring a managed whitetail and exotic game program. This role works closely with the Owner and Director to execute daily operations and drive continuous improvements across the ranch.

This is a working leadership role . You will lead the team, ensure work is completed to a high standard, and stay actively involved in day-to-day operations. You are also responsible for delivering a high-end guest experience —welcoming guests, guiding hunts, entertaining clients, and ensuring every stay is executed at a premium level. You are accountable for the overall condition, presentation, and continuous improvement of the ranch—not just maintaining it, but making it better. In this hands-on leadership role—you are expected to work alongside the team daily, operating equipment, maintaining the property, and setting the standard through your own work ethic and attention to detail. Success in this role is measured by: A consistently high-quality guest experience from arrival to departure Professional guiding, hunt execution, and client interaction Proper animal handling after harvest , including field dressing, skinning, cleaning, and preparation for processing The condition and presentation of the ranch and compound (lodge, pool, shop, vehicles, and all guest-facing areas) Visible, ongoing improvements across the property—not just maintenance, but measurable progress The strength, health, and management of the whitetail and exotic game program A team that executes consistently and operates at a high standard The Standard This role is built on ownership, execution, improvement, and hospitality . When ownership or guests arrive, the ranch should always be: Organized Clean and well-maintained Fully stocked and guest-ready Actively improving The ranch should show noticeable progress—not just stability . Details matter here. If something is out of place, it gets handled immediately. The Mindset We are looking for a leader who: Thinks like an owner — identifies issues and solves them before they are noticed Improvement-focused — constantly looks for ways to make the ranch better Executes with pride — details matter and standards are consistent Leads by example — works alongside the team daily Does not walk past problems — addresses issues immediately Operates with integrity — communicates clearly and follows through Key ResponsibilitiesWildlife & Land Management Manage year-round feeding programs (corn & protein) and monitor herd health Maintain TPWD harvest logs Oversee road maintenance, brush/mesquite control (including spraying), and fence integrity Routinely inspect the perimeter and manage predator control (hogs, coyotes, occasional bobcats) Hospitality & Lodge Standards Own the guest experience — welcome guests, assist with check-in, entertain and provide friendly guiding Ensure the lodge is fully stocked, clean, organized, and dialed at all times Oversee cleaners and verify work meets expectations Maintain room standards (toiletries, supplies, cleanliness, presentation) Manage inventory (food, beverages, guest items) Ensure vehicles & UTV's are cleaned, fueled, and ready prior to guest arrival Ensure pool, grass, landscaping, and all guest-facing areas are properly maintained. Hunting & Guest Operations Guide hunts and manage the overall hunting experience Ensure hunts are conducted safely, professionally, and efficiently Handle field dressing, skinning, cleaning, and preparation of harvested animals Maintain hunting equipment, blinds, feeders, and related infrastructure Prepare the ranch for dove season and other seasonal hunting activities Operations & Infrastructure Manage water systems, pumps, wells, and 160-acre pivot (Sorghum Sudan) Support irrigation expansion and improvement projects Oversee hay production (planting, growing, cutting, baling) Operate heavy equipment ( skid steers, dozers, tractors ) Perform basic mechanical repairs as needed Maintain a clean, organized shop Complete projects that improve the ranch's function and appearance Leadership Lead ranch personnel and enforce a high standard of execution Ensure all work is completed to a high standard without follow-up Identify and drive property improvements and upgrades Maintain accountability across the team Qualifications 5+ years of hands-on hunting ranch management experience (whitetail and exotics) Proven tenure, reliability, and follow-through Strong mechanical ability (basic repairs, water systems, equipment upkeep/preventive maintaince) Experience operating heavy equipment Experience with whitetail and exotic management, guiding hunts, dove season preparation, scoring and processing game Strong leadership and team management experience Valid Driver's License Must be able to legally possess firearms and pass a background check Physically capable of outdoor work in South Texas conditions Spanish is a plus, not required On-Site Living (Required) Full-time, live-on-site role Housing provided in Foreman House (separate from lodge) Utilities and rent covered (no bills) On-site presence is essential Schedule Full-time, non-traditional schedule Weekends and evenings required during guest visits and hunting activity Compensation $75,000+ depending on experience Housing and utilities included Company truck or truck allowance Bottom Line This is not a maintenance or hunting guide only role—it is an improvement-driven, hands-on leadership role focused on both operations, property management, and hospitality . We are looking for someone who: Leads from the front Takes pride in their work Pays attention to detail Takes ownership of outcomes Delivers a high-end guest experience And consistently works to make the ranch better If you see something that needs to be done and will take care of it without being asked—you will do well here.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Application Question(s): Are you comfortable leading while remaining hands-on in daily operations, not just managing? Do you have 5 + years of hands-on hunting ranch experience (whitetail and exotics)? Have you personally welcomed, hosted, and entertained guests while delivering a high-quality experience? Are you able to legally possess firearms and pass a background check? Are you willing to live full-time on-site at Crystal City, TX? Have you personally guided hunts and harvested animals (field dressing/skinning)? Are you available for a non-traditional schedule (at times, early mornings, evenings, weekends,,etc).

Work Location:

In person