How to Become a Range Manager: Career Guide
If you want to become a range manager you will need industry experience, the right education, skill set and attitude.
If you’re interested in a career as a range manager but don’t know where to start, this range manager career guide will teach you just about everything you need to get started.
Education Needed to Become a Range Manager
Although the specific education requirements needed to become a range manager can vary depending on the discretion of the employer, it is typical for range managers to posses an undergraduate degree in areas such as agriculture, biology, botany, natural resource management, forestry or environmental science.
Although these degree programs may not be meant to specifically prepare students for careers as range managers, they will be of great benefit to these future professionals as long as they teach students knowledge, skills and competencies in the physical sciences relevant to range management.
Some university programs will provide students with instruction in other related areas such as restoration ecology, wildlife management, range land ecology and conservation biology. Specific courses in these undergraduate programs may include soil science, economics, agricultural engineering technology and sustainable land management.
Success Tip: While in college or university, apply for internships and job opportunities that involve field work and experience with livestock
Range Manager Job Description
Range managers are responsible for providing sustained production of forage, livestock and wildlife. They study and research current land management practices in order to ensure the most efficient and effective practices and procedures are being utilized.
Range Manager Job Duties
• Mediate agreements among rangeland users and preservationists to ensure appropriate land use and management
• Develop and implement new techniques and equipment to make activities such as range re-seeding more efficient
• Plan, organize and direct construction for range improvement infrastructure such as fencing, corrals, stock-watering reservoirs and soil-erosion control structures
• Assist farmers with improving and protecting range lands by planning and organizing grazing systems
• Develop methods for protecting range from fire and rodent damage and for controlling poisonous plants
• Study grazing patterns to determine number and kind of livestock that can be most profitable
Experience Needed to Become a Range Manager
Those who become range managers often have a combination the right education and experience in the field of range management at some level. Whether you’re in school or out of school, working with foresters, farmers, people who care for livestock or conservation scientists is a great way to gain experience in this field.
Who Hires Range Managers?
Below are some examples of employers in a variety of different industries that can utilize the skills, knowledge and competencies that range managers have to offer.
• Agri-food companies
• Agricultural producers
• Consulting firms
• Environmental protection organizations
• Farm business advisory services
• Federal, provincial and municipal government departments
• Land appraisal firms
Please Note: Self-employed range managers typically work on a contractual basis
Characteristics of Successful Range Managers
Even with the right education, experience and skill set, becoming a successful range manager is not guaranteed. If you’re reading the list of personality and intellectual traits listed below, and you recognize many of the traits in yourself, you may be well suited for a career as a range manager.
• Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors
• Must have a concern for the well being of the environment
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Enjoy working and liaising with other agricultural professionals and scientists
• Must be able to delegate and direct the work of others
• Must be able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
Range Manager Salary
According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Farmers and Farm Managers occupational group earned on average from $21.73 to $27.45 an hour. The mean wage for this group was $23.97 an hour.
According to the same survey, Albertans in the Agricultural Representatives, Consultants and Specialists occupational group earned on average from $32.32 to $42.39 an hour.
In the United States, the numbers are a little different. The U.S Labor and Statistics reports that the median salary for Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers, which includes range managers, was $60,750 USD per year.
Please Note: Salary levels can vary considerably for range managers, depending on the level of education, who the employer is (or if they are self-employed), and the amount of experience.
Work Conditions for a Range Manager
A career as a range manager often requires working long hours in the field, and may involve working in harsh climates. Range managers also spend a fair amount of time in a home office or office setting.
They typically use computers for the purpose of tracking and analyzing data, as well as making use of inventory control software. Range managers must cooperate and work with other agricultural and biological professionals and scientists, such as farmers, farm veterinarians, conservation scientists and others.
Careers Similar to Range Manager
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to Range Manager, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Farmer
• Forester
References: Range Manager Career
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a range manager.
Management: “Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers.” (September 4, 2019). Bureau of Labor Statistics - United States Government website. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
Careers & Education: “Is Rangeland Management the Right Career Choice for You?.” (n.d.). Rangeland Recruitment website. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
Military Land Sustainability: “Range Manager.” (n.d.) NC State University website. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
Get Your Degree!
Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
Powered by Campus Explorer
Scholarships for Becoming a Range Manager
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Range Manager can be found on our Botany Scholarships and Forestry Scholarships pages.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Range Manager: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a range manager. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
