Land Steward at Camp Wood

Shield Ranch Camp Wood is a 7,400-acre property located in southwest Real County near the town of Camp Wood, Texas. The Shield-Ayres-Bowen family has stewarded this land since 1947. In recent years, conservation and wildlife management have been the property’s primary focus. Shield Ranch Camp Wood is home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species. To protect this unique property, the majority of the Ranch was placed under conservation easements, and these protected acres comprise a conservation bank established to protect black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler habitat. The Land Steward will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the property and be part of the Shield Land Stewardship Group, LLC team focused on conservation, restoration, wildlife management, and research initiatives. This position will report to the Director of Land Stewardship. Duties and Responsibilities Ranch Infrastructure and Equipment Maintenance and Repair o Operate skid loader, tractor, mowers, and other ranch equipment oPerform routine maintenance on ranch vehicles and equipment oPerform basic handyman services, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, welding, and mechanical oMaintain and improve road system (routine maintenance of creek crossings, culverts on entrance road, and keep roads clear of brush) oMaintain fences in collaboration with neighboring landowners Landscape and Facilities Maintenance and Repair oMaintain and repairallhouses, barns,andoutbuildings oPerform upgrades and new construction of necessary ranch infrastructure (water system, buildings, barns) oMaintain native landscapes around residencesandstructures, including mowing, string trimming, weeding, pest control, and plantings oMaintain and repair ranch water systems for residential useandwildlife (entirely spring-fed) oMaintain landscape irrigation systems oPrepare houses before and after overnight visitors, including overseeing housekeeping of family residences Wildlife and Habitat Management oAssist with management of huntingoperations Interface with lease hunters, TPWD biologist,andgamewarden Conduct deer density and browse surveys, assist with determining harvest recommendations, maintain harvest data,andprepare MLDP reports Interface withandassist owners, staff,andguesthunters oConduct mechanical and chemical brush control and assist with prescribed burns oConductcontrol offeral hogs(shootingandtrapping)andremovingexoticungulates oConduct annual cowbird control oConduct control of invasive plantspecies oManage ponds for fishing, swimming,andconservationvalues oInteract and assist conservation professionals working on the Ranch (floraandfauna surveys, wildlife census, research,etc.) oAssist with black-capped vireo nestmonitoring oConduct data collection andmonitoring PropertyManagement oManage access to ranch by contractors,utilitycrews,researchers,andguests oMonitor property and respond to incidents oftrespass oMaintain good relations with adjoiningandareapropertyowners oWildfire readiness and preparation Supervisory oSupervise collegeintern and temporary labor o Oversee contract work and service providers (fence, road, brush control, repairs and renovations tostructures) oSupervise new construction projects when necessary Administration oParticipate in development of annualbudget oManage expenses within parameters of ranchbudget oMaintain journal with thorough and accurate records (rainfall, documentation of management activities,etc.) Qualifications Prefer five years of experience with ranching operations and land/natural resources management Desire toliveand work in a remote, rural environment (must live full- or part-time on the Ranch) Proficient in basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, water system repairs, andwelding Experience with operation, maintenance, and repair of ranch vehicles, tractors, skid steers, UTVs, trailers, sprayers, chainsaws, lawn mowers,andother smallequipment Experience managing a lease huntingoperation Experience managing livestock or agricultural operation Experience managing or supervising construction projects Interest inandcommitment to Shield Ranch conservationobjectives Passionandexperience supporting wildlife and conservation management practices (gameandnon-gamespecies) Personable and able to relate well with owners, other employees, hunters, neighbors, conservation professionals, researchers, guests,etc. Proficientinthe use of Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel,andGPSunit Physical ability to lift 80lbs Valid Texas driver’slicense Mustbeabletooccasionallyworknightsandweekendswhen required Education High school diploma College degree or some post-secondary education or job-related training preferred Finalistsmustconsenttocriminal backgroundanddrivingrecordchecks Compensation and Benefits Base salary range of $58,000 — $65,000. Position is full timeandincludes health insurance, retirement plan, and paid timeoff Workers’ compensationinsurance Housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath: approximately 2,400 sq.ft.) and utilities provided (water, electricity, propane, and internet) Business cell phoneallowance #J-18808-Ljbffr Shield Ranch