Job Description
The Wildlife Biology & Sustainability Associate is an entry-level professional role at our ranch, designed for a recent wildlife biology graduate with a passion for hands-on wildlife and habitat management. This position supports the health and sustainability of a large exotic wildlife herd (deer and antelope, 1,000+ animals) and the overall ranch ecosystem. The Associate will work under the Ranch Manager’s guidance to monitor animal health, assist with an extensive breeding program, maintain pastures and water systems, and utilize data (via proprietary Excel models) to inform management decisions. This role offers an excellent foundation in wildlife ranch management with a clear path for career advancement in our organization.
Key Responsibilities
Exotic Wildlife Care & Monitoring: Daily observe and monitor the health, behavior, and welfare of exotic deer and antelope herds (over 1,000 animals). Assist with veterinary care, vaccinations, and herd health programs to ensure high standards of animal welfare and early detection of any issues.
Breeding Program Support: Support an extensive wildlife breeding program. Help track breeding cycles and animal lineage, record offspring survival rates, and implement breeding plans as directed to optimize genetics and herd productivity. Contribute to environment optimization for top breeding health (e.g. providing proper nutrition and low-stress habitats).
Habitat & Ranch Land Maintenance: Perform hands-on maintenance of pastures, turf, and trees to promote a healthy ecosystem. This includes mowing, seeding, weed control (spraying), fertilization, and planting or pruning trees to enhance habitat quality. Ensure fencing and enclosures are secure and in good repair to protect wildlife.
Water Systems Management: Oversee ranch water systems to guarantee reliable clean water for all wildlife. Maintain and repair water infrastructure such as ponds, troughs, wells, and irrigation lines. Monitor water quality and implement improvements (e.g. aeration, filtration) to support both animal hydration and habitat health.
Data Tracking & Analysis: Utilize proprietary Excel-based models and spreadsheets to accurately track animal metrics and ranch performance data. Record information on herd population counts, productivity rates, mortality, land use (e.g. grazing rotation schedules), feed consumption and costs, and breeding outcomes. Analyze trends in the data to inform management decisions (such as adjusting feed or identifying successful breeding practices).
Conservation & Sustainability Projects: Contribute to the ranch’s conservation and sustainability goals. Assist in habitat enhancement projects like native plant restoration, erosion control, and implementing sustainable ranch practices (e.g. rotational grazing, soil regeneration, and water conservation initiatives). Help ensure the ranch operation meets environmental regulations and promotes biodiversity.
General Ranch Operations: Support general ranch upkeep and projects as needed. This includes maintaining ranch infrastructure (roads, fences, barns, and equipment), keeping the workshop/compound clean and organized, and operating ranch vehicles or machinery (UTVs, tractors, skid steers, etc.) safely. Adhere to ranch safety protocols at all times and perform other duties as assigned to support the team.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Range Management, Ecology, or a related field. Academic excellence (e.g. Dean’s List or honors) is a plus, demonstrating a strong foundation in relevant science and theory.
Wildlife & Animal Care Knowledge: Understanding of wildlife management principles, animal physiology/health, and basic veterinary care. Familiarity with exotic ungulates (deer/antelope) or livestock handling experience is highly beneficial.
Data & Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data entry/analysis is required. Ability to learn and use proprietary Excel models to input data and interpret results. Comfortable with technology used in ranch management (e.g. wildlife tracking software or GPS) and capable of keeping detailed records.
Field & Equipment Skills: Experience with or willingness to learn operation of ranch equipment such as tractors, mowers, ATVs/UTVs, and basic power tools. Able to perform minor repairs or maintenance on facilities and equipment.
Physical Stamina: Capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain. Must be able to lift feed bags, move equipment, and perform physically demanding tasks safely.
Teamwork & Communication: Strong team player with good communication skills. Able to take direction from supervisors and collaborate with colleagues. Willingness to eventually mentor others as experience grows.
Problem-Solving & Independence: Ability to accurately assess situations and solve problems in the field (for example, troubleshooting a water system issue or responding to an injured animal). Must be self-motivated and able to work independently once trained, while always considering safety and animal welfare in decision-making.
Passion & Commitment: Genuine enthusiasm for wildlife conservation, sustainable ranching, and breeding program success. A proactive attitude and eagerness to continually learn new skills and take on increasing responsibility over time. A valid driver’s license is required; additional certifications (wildlife management, first aid, pesticide applicator, etc.) are a plus.
Additional Information
Must pass 50 State Criminal Background Check and submit to drug test
Check out our website! https://tejasranchfence.com
Benefits
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If you’re looking for a stable, team-oriented role in a respected construction company, we’d be glad to hear from you. Join Tejas and help build projects you can be proud of.