Range Manager

    Vet Assistants and Technicians

    CIP Name: Range Manager|CIP Code: 01.1106
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 25-1043, 25-9021, 11-9013, 19-1011, 19-1013, 19-1031

    A program that focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions, grasslands, and other areas of low productivity, as well as the principles of managing such resources for maximum benefit and environmental balance.

    $79K
    Median Salary
    +4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    1.1K
    Jobs/Year

    What Range Managers Do

    A program that focuses on the scientific study of rangelands, arid regions, grasslands, and other areas of low productivity, as well as the principles of managing such resources for maximum benefit and environmental balance.

    Common Tasks

    Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    • 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
    • 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

    What You'll Learn

    livestock managementwildlife biologyplant sciencesecologysoil sciencehydrology

    Types of Range Managers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessorAssistant ProfessorConservation Biology ProfessorExtension ProfessorForest Technology ProfessorForestry ProfessorLecturerNatural Resources ProfessorResearch Professor4-H Youth Development Educator4-H Youth Development Specialist4-H Youth EducatorAgricultural Extension EducatorCommunity EducatorExtension AgentExtension EducatorExtension SpecialistFamily Development Extension SpecialistFamily and Consumer Sciences Extension AgentAquaculture DirectorFarm ManagerFarm Operations Technical DirectorFish Hatchery ManagerGreenhouse ManagerHarvesting ManagerHatchery ManagerHatchery SupervisorNursery ManagerRanch ManagerAnimal Nutrition ConsultantAnimal NutritionistAnimal ScientistBeef Cattle NutritionistBeef Cattle SpecialistCompanion Animal NutritionistDairy Nutrition ConsultantDairy Research NutritionistResearch ScientistScientistAgronomistArboriculture ResearcherCrop Nutrition ScientistForage PhysiologistHorticulture SpecialistPlant PhysiologistPlant Research GeneticistResearch Soil ScientistConservationistEnvironmental AnalystEnvironmental Quality ScientistErosion Control SpecialistLand Reclamation SpecialistLand Resource SpecialistResource Conservation SpecialistResource ConservationistSoil Conservationist

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Ranches and grazing allotments
    • • Government land management agencies
    • • Conservation districts and NGOs
    • • Agricultural research stations and field sites
    • • Universities and extension offices

    Schedule

    Most jobs are full-time with seasonal peaks and weather-driven schedule changes, plus occasional early mornings, travel, or emergency response during drought or fire.

    Physical Demands

    Work mixes office planning with frequent field time that involves walking over uneven terrain, standing, and handling equipment or samples. Physical intensity is usually moderate, with occasional long days outdoors in heat, cold, wind, or dust.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $79,120
    $48,443$154,630+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $48,443
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $59,612
    Median
    50th percentile
    $79,120
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $115,190
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $154,630+

    National Employment: 912,800 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as drought, wildfire risk, and water constraints push ranches and public agencies to manage grazing, habitat, and soils more scientifically. Conservation funding and sustainability requirements can also increase the need for monitoring and land management plans.

    Skills You'll Need

    Grazing and livestock managementPlant identification and vegetation monitoringSoil and water conservation practicesData collection, recordkeeping, and basic statisticsGIS/GPS mapping and field navigationProblem-solving under changing weather and site conditionsCommunication and stakeholder coordinationSafety awareness and comfort working outdoors

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Outdoor, mission-driven work managing land and wildlife habitat
    • Strong mix of science and practical decision-making
    • Variety of employers (ranches, agencies, consulting, education)
    • Work that directly supports sustainability and resource protection
    • Opportunities to specialize (grazing, soils, water, habitat)

    Cons

    • Fieldwork in harsh weather and remote locations
    • Seasonal workload spikes and travel can be common
    • Balancing livestock production with conservation goals can be stressful
    • Some career paths depend on public funding or grants
    • Requires strong documentation and compliance reporting
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Range Manager Trade

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