Position Title: Ranch Operations/ Facilities Manager
Name of Ranch/Business: Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation
Location: San Patricio County, Texas
Position Description:
The Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven individual who will be responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance and repair of ranch/refuge facilities and grounds. The Welder Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing wildlife conservation research and education in the context of a working 7,800-acre ranch located in San Patricio County, Texas.
The Operations Manager will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will lead the Ranch Operations Team, which also includes an Operations Assistant and custodial staff. The duties of this position will require residence on the Foundation’s Refuge. Primary duties and responsibilities of the Operations Manager include:
- Supervising and mentoring Operation Assistants and Custodial staff.
- Assisting senior staff with development of maintenance/operations budgets detailing annual projects to be completed and analyzing costs.
- Development of annual maintenance schedules and schedule of daily work activities.
- Maintenance and repair of all refuge buildings and ancillary structures to include but not limited to, lighting, heating, air conditioning systems, electrical work, and general plumbing.
- Perform routine repairs and preventative maintenance on all machinery, vehicles, trailers, equipment, tools, fences, etc. used on the Refuge for yard and ranch operations.
- Supervision and management of all contracted construction projects, including buildings, roads, fences, water control structures, etc.
- Operation and maintenance of the Foundation’s drinking water, sewer, irrigation systems and the emergency electrical power system, which includes obtaining and maintaining certification from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to manage the Foundation’s Public Drinking Water System.
- Managing the ranch’s cattle operation in collaboration with senior staff and cattle lessor.
- Administration and monitoring of pipeline, oil and gas, and other lease or easement agreements and/or construction projects.
- Assisting with vegetation management and control activities which may include prescribed burning, herbicide treatments and mechanical treatments.
- Assisting as needed with field research projects conducted on the Refuge.
- Participating in Foundation’s educational programs as need.
Qualifications
- Ideal candidate should have an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, natural resource or applicable field, with a minimum of 7 years’ experience working in the ranch/refuge environment.
- Commitment to wildlife conservation and education and sustaining the ranching heritage.
- Willingness to work in a rural ranch environment. Knowledge of general ranch or farm operations and environmental stewardship a plus. Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of people and situations including ranch staff, office staff and program participants in outdoor environment.
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
- Supervisory experience preferred especially with a variety of learning styles and experience levels.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform strenuous outdoor tasks related to ranch maintenance.
- Experience with carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other facilities maintenance skills.
- Must be initiative driven, flexible, positive and helpful in tackling other duties as needed.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are required.
To Apply: Please email cover letter with statement of interest addressing specific qualifications and resume with 3 references to welderfoundation@welderwildlife.org .
All other inquiries regarding the position please contact: Dr. Dale James
Ranch Contact: Dr. Dale James || Djames@welderwildlife.org || (361) 364-2634
Additional Information:
WELDER WILDLIFE FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate, on or off Foundation property, because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, military status, disability, or age or any other category protected by federal, state or local law except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employees and students are urged to report any incidents which they believe to be discriminatory to the Chief Executive Officer.