Range Manager

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Range Manager?

A Range Manager is a professional responsible for the stewardship and sustainable management of rangelands which encompass natural grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and deserts. They focus on balancing the environmental health of these areas with the needs for livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and recreational use.

Sample job titles:

Natural Resource Specialist, Range Technician, Rangeland Management Specialist, Resource Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Range Manager.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Range Manager earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$53K per year	$68K per year	$88K per year	$108K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Range Manager do?

Work environment

Range Managers often work in outdoor environments, including rural and remote areas. They may be employed by government agencies, environmental organizations, ranches, or private landowners. Their work can involve extensive fieldwork, ecological monitoring, and interaction with land users and conservationists.

Quick task list

Develops and implements plans for range management and land use.
Monitors vegetation, wildlife, and soil conditions.
Manages livestock grazing practices to ensure environmental sustainability.
Coordinates with landowners, government agencies, and wildlife organizations.
Conducts research and provides education on sustainable land management practices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wildlife Habitat Management: Specializing in managing rangelands to support diverse wildlife populations.
Conservation and Restoration Ecology: Focusing on restoring degraded rangelands and preserving ecological integrity.
Livestock Management: Balancing livestock grazing with sustainable rangeland practices.
Fire Ecology and Management: Understanding and applying fire management techniques in rangeland environments.
Recreational Land Management: Integrating recreational use with the conservation of rangeland ecosystems.

Description

Range Management is a vital field for conserving and sustainably managing rangeland ecosystems. Range Managers play a key role in ensuring these lands are used responsibly, balancing environmental health with economic and recreational activities. They apply principles of ecology, biology, and resource management to maintain the health of these ecosystems.

Effective Range Managers require a strong understanding of ecological principles, land-use practices, and conservation strategies. They need to be skilled in communication, as their role often involves collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and government officials. Fieldwork is a significant aspect of the job, requiring physical stamina and a willingness to work in various outdoor conditions.

The career can be rewarding for those passionate about environmental stewardship and sustainable land use. Range Managers have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the health of ecosystems and contribute to long-term conservation goals.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of natural ecosystems.
Working outdoors in diverse and often scenic environments.
The challenge of balancing ecological health with human land use.

You might make a good Range Manager if you are...

Passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability.
Interested in ecology, wildlife management, and agriculture.
Enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable in rural and remote settings.
A strong communicator and enjoy collaborating with a variety of stakeholders.
Analytical and problem-solving, with a keen interest in applying scientific principles to land management.

Pros:

Opportunity to work in and contribute to the conservation of natural environments.
Diverse work experiences, from fieldwork to policy development.
The satisfaction of implementing and seeing the results of sustainable land management practices.

Cons:

Often requires working in remote locations and challenging outdoor conditions.
Balancing competing interests of different land users can be complex and demanding.
May involve dealing with bureaucratic processes and regulations.

How to become a Range Manager

Typical education

Typically, a bachelor's degree in range science, environmental science, agriculture, or a related field is required, taking about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may favor additional experience or education in resource management.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and environmental science to understand ecosystems and conservation.
Agriculture or agricultural science, if available.
Geography for land use and ecological principles.
Mathematics and statistics for data analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in environmental clubs or outdoor activities.
Volunteering with conservation organizations or local parks.
Engaging in farming or ranching experiences, if possible.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in range science, environmental science, agriculture, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or work in conservation, agriculture, or land management.
Consider certifications or additional training in areas such as wildlife management, fire ecology, or sustainable agriculture.

More resources

Society for Range Management (SRM) - A professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for range managers.
National Range and Pasture Handbook - Provides guidelines and resources for sustainable range and pasture management.
U.S. Forest Service - Offers information on managing and conserving national forests and grasslands.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) - Provides information on public lands management, including rangelands.

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