Wheaton Creek Ranch: Ranch Manager

Who We Are

Wheaton Creek Ranch (WCR) is a family-owned working ranch that has been managed primarily for wildlife for more than thirty years. We offer our retreat facilities to the public as well as all inclusive services for hunting for elk, deer, antelope, and bear. We care about sustainable ranching, ethical hunting, and thoughtful conservation.

Our wild, natural habitat is situated in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Region of Northern New Mexico. The area teems with wildlife, stretching over 37,000 acres (15,000 private and 22,000 State Trust) in the Rocky Mountains. Aside from the ranch's vast beauty, we have facilities and cottage industries that support our community, including cattle ranching, hunting, forestry, lumber milling, lodge and room rentals, retreats, camping and more.

We are a community of people who value remote living in the natural world. We are committed to living in harmony with each other and the abundant plant and animal life here. Our values include, but are not limited to, Sustainability, Humility, Community, Honesty, and Responsibility. As we’re growing our team/community, we’re seeking folks who not only share these values but are also positive, hard-working, team players. 

What You’ll Do as the Ranch Manager

We’re excited to welcome a new full-time Ranch Manager into our Wheaton Creek Ranch community!

As the Ranch Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the hands-on operations of traditional ranch work, while working alongside the Managing Director Couple, who are responsible for the business operations. Together with the Managing Director Couple, you will identify annual goals and be responsible for managing the land, cattle, Natural Resources Conservation Service projects, maintaining large and small ranch equipment, and managing other staff and volunteers as needed to fulfill operational goals.  This position requires strong strategic thinking, operational expertise, organizational skills, basic financial acumen, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Equally important, you must be a skilled leader and team facilitator, fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

While your primary focus will be leading and managing ranch operations, you will also work alongside your team as a contributing member when needed to support various projects.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure all aspects of the ranch are running smoothly and efficiently, including but not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Collaborate with the Managing Director Couple as a key leadership voice, helping to shape the vision and execute the operational needs of the ranch.
• Building Maintenance: Oversee all general building maintenance tasks, to ensure the property remains in good condition year-round.
• Grounds-keeping: Oversee all general maintenance related to landscaping and irrigation, including lawns, gardens, pathways, ponds, etc.
• Cattle: Manage and/or assist in the buying/selling, care, feeding, and handling of cattle, ensuring their health, well-being, and safety.
• Fencing: Build, repair, and maintain fences and enclosures to contain livestock, delineate property boundaries, and manage wildlife access, using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Equipment Maintenance: Make sure equipment and tools are kept in good running condition, taken care of, and kept organized.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure all ranch vehicles are kept in good running condition.
• Trail Development and Maintenance: Develop and maintain trails and pathways used for hunting, hiking, and recreational activities, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and well-marked for guests.
• Land Conservation: Monitor and manage pasture and rangeland resources, including rotational grazing, weed control, hay operations, and water distribution, to optimize forage production and maintain ecosystem health, as well as National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other agencies contracts.
• Water Conservation: Manage water sources such as stream restoration, wells, ponds, and irrigation systems, to ensure adequate supply for livestock, wildlife, and vegetation, as well as for guest amenities and recreational activities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Implement sustainable practices to minimize the environmental impact of the ranch's operations, including habitat conservation and wildlife management.
• Team Building: Supervise staff and volunteers to assist in the above responsibilities and build and maintain functional operations, ensuring the staff and volunteers embody the values and standards set by the founder.

Who You Are

• You’re excited to live on the ranch as a positive and cooperative member of our Wheaton Creek Ranch community.
• You have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and effectively lead a diverse team.
• You have proven experience in a leadership role overseeing a team of staff to carry out ranching operations.
• You have extensive knowledge of or know enough to hire for ranching, cattle management, and environmental conservation practices.
• You’re familiar with relevant laws, regulations, and permits related to ranching, hunting, and environmental stewardship, or able to learn quickly.
• You represent Wheaton Creek Ranch and its founder, David Stanley, positively, promoting the ranch’s mission and values.
• You work for the greater good of our collective community, lending a helping hand around the ranch when needed.
• You’re able to meet the physical and environmental demands of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing a ranch
• 3+ years of experience managing a team of staff
• Proficient financial acumen
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Clean driving record and valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Construction and construction management knowledge and experience, preferred
• Experience in livestock management, preferred
• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required for this position

What You’ll Get

We know that great people make a great ranch, and we want to take care of the person who steps into this vital leadership role. In addition to paying a competitive salary for this role, we’ve created a generous benefits package that include: 

As our Ranch Manager, you’ll receive:

• Full Housing Provided: A private, comfortable home on the ranch, fully covered.
• Paid Utilities, Including Wi-Fi: No monthly bills for electricity, water, or internet.
• Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA max contribution: Helping you plan for the future. 
• Paid time off: Paid time off during non-hunting seasons.
• A True Ranch Lifestyle: Work in a breathtaking, remote setting with wide-open spaces, fresh air, and abundant wildlife. You’ll have access to 37,000 acres of wilderness for personal recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, camping, as well as possible hunting and/or guiding opportunities
• A Close-Knit Community: Be part of a dedicated team that values hard work, stewardship, and collaboration.
• A Role with Impact: Play a key leadership role in shaping the future of the ranch while working alongside the Managing Director Couple.
• Hands-On, Meaningful Work: Every day brings new challenges and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Please note that we operate as a drug free/smoke free workplace. Smoking is not allowed on the job and we ask that “off the job” smoking or vaping be done discreetly, never in front of guests/clients and not in ranch buildings or vehicles. While we have vehicles for the ranch, employees must have their own personal vehicle to travel from the ranch to the local town for personal needs.