JRanch Manager – Private Hunting Ranch

Location: Crystal City (On-Site)
Compensation: $75,000+ (DOE) + Housing + Utilities + Truck/Allowance
Type: Full-Time | Live-On-Site

The Mission

We are hiring a hands-on Ranch Manager to lead daily operations at a 1,400-acre private hunting ranch in South Texas, featuring a managed whitetail and exotic game program.

This is a working management role that works closely with the Director and Owner to execute daily operations and drive continuous improvements across the ranch.

This role is responsible for both ranch operations and guest experience. You will lead the team, ensure work is completed to a high standard, and stay directly involved in daily operations to drive execution and maintain accountability.

You are also responsible for delivering a high-end hospitality 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 progression of the ranch—not just maintaining it but consistently improving it.

Success in this role is measured by:

A consistently high-quality guest experience, from arrival through departure
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
Well-maintained
Guest-ready
Actively improving

The ranch should show ongoing, noticeable progress—not just stability.

The Hospitality Standard
You anticipate needs before they are voiced and ensure every stay is executed at a high level.

The Property Standard
You own the outcome across the entire ranch—lodge, compound, shop, vehicles, land, and infrastructure. Everything should reflect a clean, organized, and well-managed operation.

The Mindset

We are looking for an operator 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, not just keep it running
Executes with pride — details matter, and standards are consistent
The “Midnight Reset” — when guests are on-site, the day isn’t done until the lodge, equipment, and property are fully reset for the next day
Asset Pride — if it’s broken, it gets fixed; if it’s dirty, it gets cleaned
Operates with integrity — communicates clearly, follows through, and can be trusted without oversight

Key ResponsibilitiesWildlife Management (Whitetail & Exotics) & Land

Manage a year-round whitetail and exotic game program, including feeding, herd health, and population oversight
Maintain and improve the quality of the ranch’s whitetail and exotic game through consistent management practices
Maintain TPWD harvest logs
Oversee road maintenance, mesquite/brush 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, and provide professional guiding
Ensure the lodge and compound are consistently clean, stocked, organized, and guest-ready
Manage inventory and supplies (food, beverages, toiletries, room items)
Oversee cleaning crews and verify work meets our standard
Ensure vehicles are cleaned, fueled, and staged prior to guest arrival
Maintain pool area, grass, landscaping, and all guest-facing areas

Operations & Infrastructure

Manage water systems, pumps, wells, and 160-acre pivot (currently growing Sorghum Sudan)
Support and execute irrigation expansion and property improvement projects
Oversee hay production (planting, growing, cutting, baling)
Operate and maintain heavy equipment (skid steers, dozers, tractors)
Perform mechanical repairs and maintain a clean, organized shop
Execute projects that improve efficiency, functionality, and overall ranch presentation

Leadership

Lead ranch personnel and enforce a high standard of execution
Ensure all work is completed fully without follow-up
Identify and drive property improvements and operational upgrades
Coordinate to ensure work is completed to spec
Maintain accountability across the team without requiring oversight

Qualifications

10+ years of hands-on hunting ranch management experience (whitetail and exotics)
Proven tenure, reliability, and follow-through in prior roles
Strong mechanical ability (equipment repair, welding, pumps, wells, water systems)
Experience operating heavy equipment (skid steers, dozers, tractors, attachments)
Strong experience in South Texas hunting operations, including:
Whitetail and exotic game management
Dove season preparation and execution
Guiding hunts and managing guest hunts
Scoring animals and game processing
Solid understanding of feeding programs, herd health, and wildlife management practices
Leadership experience managing teams and maintaining high standards
Valid Driver’s License
Physically capable of outdoor work in South Texas conditions
Spanish would be a benefit but not required
Must be able to legally possess firearms and pass a background check

On-Site Living (Required)

Full-time, live-on-site position
Housing provided in the Foreman House (separate from the lodge)
Utilities and rent covered (no bills)
On-site presence is essential

Schedule

Full-time, non-traditional schedule
Weekends and evenings required, especially 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 role—it is an improvement-driven, hospitality-focused leadership role.

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

**Must be bilingual , have a clear background and clean driving record**

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance

Application Question(s):

How many years of ranch management experience do you have?

Language:

Spanish (Required)
English (Required)

License/Certification:

Non-CDL Class C (Required)

Willingness to travel:

100% (Required)

Work Location: On the road

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