Company description
Duncan Spade Ranch (DSR) is a fifth generation cattle ranching operation on over 7000 acres in Wharton County, TX.
Job description
Job Title: Ranch Manager
Location: Duncan Spade Ranch, Wharton, Texas
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Duncan Brothers
Position Summary
Duncan Spade Ranch (DSR) is a fifth generation cattle ranching operation on over 7000 acres in Wharton County. DSR is seeking a Ranch Manager (RM) to oversee all aspects of daily ranch operations. The main job responsibilities include: 1) management of all cattle ranching operations, 2) oversight of lease holdings, 3) implementation of conservation initiatives and 4) all administrative responsibilities and regular reporting to the ranch ownership. The ideal candidate will need strong communication skills, be an excellent leader in our local community, have solid experience in cattle ranching, regenerative grazing, animal husbandry, and have a working knowledge of land stewardship using best conservation practices. This is a full-time position starting immediately.
Key Responsibilities
Ranch Operations
Plan and execute grazing activities of 500 head cow-calf herd, using holistic approach, rotational grazing and keen eye to pasture and soil health
Maintain records on herd performance and health, animal husbandry, safe and efficient cattle handling
Cattle sales, purchasing and marketing strategy
Maintenance and repairs of equipment and related infrastructure: building, fences, roads, watering systems and utilities
Forage and hay management
Managing and directing all ranch employees while ensuring a safe and effective work environment
Wildlife management
Lease Holdings
Oversee and facilitate all lease operations active across the ranch, including those for rice, row-crops, grazing and hunting
Coordination with mineral lessees
Maintain strong relationships with leaseholders
Ensure lease operations are aligned with ranch goals and land stewardship objectives
Verify operations meet contractual expectations and legal requirements
Conservation Initiatives
Work closely with USDA and NRCS agents on conservation programs
Collaborate as needed with conservation partners, including Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative (TCPI), Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) and independent consultants
Facilitate execution of obligated contracts, and ensure compliance with relevant environmental requirements
Provide thorough recordkeeping and consistent communication with all those involved in work related to restoration and conservation efforts
Administrative Responsibilities
Professional and consistent communication and reporting to the Duncan Brothers Partners
Budgeting, forecasting and solid ranch financial management
Maintain all ranch record keeping and performance benchmarking
Payroll and HR related oversight of employees
Contractor bids and payments
Administer regulatory compliance documentation
Qualifications
Minimum 4 years experience managing cattle operations and infrastructure maintenance
Local working knowledge of regional ecology, cattle ranching and crop production
Strong communication and writing skills
Organized and time efficient
Proven leadership abilities and team builder
Good at organizing, motivating and providing needed training for ranch employees
Familiarity with all aspects of rice, row-crop and hunting operations
Familiar with all basic computer software needed for ranch management and reporting
Ability to work under all weather conditions and off hours when needed
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary dependent on qualifications.
Compensation
this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $70,000.00 - $90,000.00
Application instructions
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Deadline
February 13, 2026