Matador Ranch Assistant Manager

The Nature Conservancy (All); Dodson (MT); On-site; USD 53,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization is looking for an Assistant Manager for the Matador Ranch in Montana. This role involves supporting annual stewardship projects and managing ranch operations, including livestock and grazing management. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, along with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. The starting salary range for this position is between $53,000 and $57,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource or agricultural management.
• Experience in relationship-building with various partners.
• Experience with communication in English and other relevant languages.

Responsibilities

• Implement Ranch and grazing operational projects.
• Work independently and make informed decisions.
• Document ranch features and ecological data using GIS.

Skills

Natural resource management

Relationship-building

Communication skills

GIS and mapping tools

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource or agricultural management

Tools

GIS software

Word

Excel

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Matador Ranch Assistant Manager supports annual stewardship projects at the Matador Ranch & Grassbank Preserve (Ranch) and occasionally supports stewardship projects elsewhere within the Montana’s Business Unit (BU) and Northern Great Plains (NGP) team.

We’re Looking for You

The Assistant Manager will support and at times implement the operations of the Ranch and other TNC preserves as needed, including expansion of additional grassbanks. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Matador Ranch Manager to coordinate, prioritize and execute Ranch operational needs, including livestock and grazing management, hunting access program, facility and infrastructure maintenance, equipment repair and maintenance and mechanical repair, and noxious weed control and treatment program. This position works as part of a team repairing fences, maintaining grounds, tools, and equipment, and interacting with visitors and donors. They will assess and document conditions of grazing-associated infrastructure (fences, pastures, and water systems). They will assist ecological monitoring and other stewardship projects, including mesic area and grassland restoration and prescribed fire, conducted on preserves. The position requires safe operation of a variety of equipment (trucks, ATVs, tractors, skid‑steers, and trailers). This position requires frequent interaction with landowners, partners, and staff, and the Assistant Manager must be able to maintain positive and professional relationships in a rural setting.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Implement Ranch and grazing operational projects.
• Work independently and make decisions based on analysis, experience, and context with respect to timelines.
• Use GIS and or other mapping tools to document the location and condition of ranch features, noxious weeds, and ecological data.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances, requiring long hours.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource or agricultural management or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship‑building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience supporting land management and natural systems projects.
• Knowledge working with ranching operations: fencing, water systems, livestock.
• Skilled in operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, trailers, two‑way radio, or similar equipment).

Desired Qualifications

• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, sustainable land management, natural resource preservation, and low‑stress livestock handling.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
• Experience working with community‑based or collaborative settings to create shared outcomes for various groups of people.
• Ability to negotiate and or manage agreements, contracts, or budgets.
• Familiarity with GIS is highly preferred.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy‑owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $53,000–$57,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Salary within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note with "Request for Accommodation" in the subject line to [e-mail].