A range manager is in charge of a large open plot of land where livestock graze. His job is to make sure that the land produces enough food for the domestic animals without jeopardizing the wildlife in the area. This delicate balance usually necessitates continuous monitoring of the parcel in order to detect and correct any imbalances.
A range manager is usually required to research the plot’s history in order to properly manage and maintain the land. He is generally expected to research the land’s usage history in order to successfully manage and protect the grazing areas and natural resources. If his investigation uncovers irregularities in its care that could endanger wildlife or impede feed growth, action is usually taken to bring it up to acceptable standards.
It’s possible that new threats to the range’s health and productivity will emerge. When rodents or pests infest the land, the range manager usually takes action to eradicate them. He is also expected to spot any poisonous plants or weeds that may have an impact on feed production and take steps to eliminate them. If the range is in a high-risk area for fire damage, the manager will usually look into ways to keep the land and foliage sufficiently irrigated to keep it safe.
A range manager’s job usually entails testing and analyzing the soil on a regular basis. If there is an imbalance in acidity or alkalinity, he is usually expected to correct it with additives. Due to overgrazing or weather conditions, the range manager may need to construct corrals or fences to re-define grazing areas so that the soil can regenerate. He may also need to build systems to prevent soil erosion or reservoirs to capture extra water for livestock that is eroding the soil through runoff.
Range managers are frequently required to replace current forage plants due to changes in the environment or the nutritional needs of livestock or wildlife. He may need to replace them with more durable varieties or ones that are more appealing to the animals’ preferences. When making these changes, the range manager must usually determine if the number of grazing animals needs to be adjusted or if the wild animal population has changed significantly.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in conservation science, environmental science, land management, or range management is usually required for a job as a range manager. It is preferable if you have experience with agriculture, wildlife habitats, or grazing livestock. It is preferable if you have prior experience farming or raising livestock.