Shield Land Stewardship Group · Texas · posted today
The Opportunity 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 • Operate skid loader, tractor, mowers, and other ranch equipment • Perform routine maintenance on ranch vehicles and equipment • Perform basic handyman services, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, welding, and mechanical • Maintain and improve road system (routine maintenance of creek crossings, culverts on entrance road, and keep roads clear of brush) • Maintain fences in collaboration with neighboring landowners • Landscape and Facilities Maintenance and Repair • Maintain and repair all houses, barns, and outbuildings • Perform upgrades and new construction of necessary ranch infrastructure (water system, buildings, barns) • Maintain native landscapes around residences and structures, including mowing, string trimming, weeding, pest control, and plantings • Maintain and repair ranch water systems for residential use and wildlife (entirely spring-fed) • Maintain landscape irrigation systems • Prepare houses before and after overnight visitors, including overseeing housekeeping of family residences • Wildlife and Habitat Management • Assist with management of hunting operations • Interface with lease hunters, TPWD biologist, and game warden • Conduct deer density and browse surveys, assist with determining harvest recommendations, maintain harvest data, and prepare MLDP reports • Interface with and assist owners, staff, and guest hunters • Conduct mechanical and chemical brush control and assist with prescribed burns • Conduct control of feral hogs (shooting and trapping) and removing exotic ungulates • Conduct annual cowbird control • Conduct control of invasive plant species • Manage ponds for fishing, swimming, and conservation values • Interact with and assist conservation professionals working on the Ranch (flora and fauna surveys, wildlife census, research, etc.) • Assist with black-capped vireo nest monitoring • Conduct data collection and monitoring • Property Management • Manage access to ranch by contractors, utility crews, researchers, and guests • Monitor property and respond to incidents of trespass • Maintain good relations with adjoining and area property owners • Wildfire readiness and preparation • Supervisory • Supervise college intern and temporary labor • Oversee contract work and service providers (fence, road, brush control, repairs and renovations to structures) • Supervise new construction projects when necessary • Administration • Participate in development of annual budget • Manage expenses within parameters of ranch budget • Maintain 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 to live and 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, and welding • Experience with operation, maintenance, and repair of ranch vehicles, tractors, skid steers, UTVs, trailers, sprayers, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and other small equipment • Experience managing a lease hunting operation • Experience managing livestock or agricultural operation • Experience managing or supervising construction projects • Interest in and commitment to Shield Ranch conservation objectives • Passion and experience supporting wildlife and conservation management practices (game and non-game species) • Personable and able to relate well with owners, other employees, hunters, neighbors, conservation professionals, researchers, guests, etc. • Proficient in the use of Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and GPS unit • Physical ability to lift 80 lbs • Valid Texas driver’s license • Must be able to occasionally work nights and weekends when required • Education • High school diploma • College degree or some post-secondary education or job-related training preferred • Finalists must consent to criminal background and driving record checks Compensation and Benefits • Base salary range of $58,000 — $65,000. Position is full time and includes health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off • Workers’ compensation insurance • Housing (3-bedroom, 2-bath: approximately 2,400 sq.ft.) and utilities provided (water, electricity, propane, and internet) • Business cell phone allowance How to Apply Please submit your resume along with a cover letter via email to info@shieldranch.com. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 13, 2026. Finalists must provide three references upon request and are subject to a criminal background check.
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