Range Managers
What is a Range Manager?
A Range Manager is a professional who specializes in the conservation and management of rangelands, which are areas primarily used for grazing livestock and wildlife. Their primary role is to ensure the sustainable use of these lands while balancing ecological, economic, and social objectives. Range Managers work to implement practices that promote healthy ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, protect water resources, and enhance biodiversity. They often collaborate with ranchers, government agencies, conservation groups, and researchers to develop strategies that facilitate responsible land management. In addition to hands-on fieldwork, Range Managers may conduct research, educate stakeholders about sustainable practices, and assess the impacts of land use on the environment. Their work is vital for maintaining the productivity of rangelands and fostering the health of the local ecosystem, which ultimately supports the livelihoods of communities that rely on these resources.
Tasks
- Regulate grazing, such as by issuing permits and checking for compliance with standards, and help ranchers plan and organize grazing systems to manage, improve, protect, and maximize the use of rangelands.
- Manage forage resources through fire, herbicide use, or revegetation to maintain a sustainable yield from the land.
- Coordinate with federal land managers and other agencies and organizations to manage and protect rangelands.
- Measure and assess vegetation resources for biological assessment companies, environmental impact statements, and rangeland monitoring programs.
- Maintain soil stability and vegetation for non-grazing uses, such as wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- BehavePlus 6
- SAS Viya
- MATLAB R2023b
- Viper Tools
- Presentation software
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Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft Access 365
- National Resources Conservation Service Ecological Site Information System ESIS
- National Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey WSS
- USDA NRCS VegSpec
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Map creation software
- GRASS GIS 8.3
- ERDAS IMAGINE 2023
- RSAC Riparian Mapping Tool
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Viewer
- Object or component oriented development software
Tools Used
- Permeability testing apparatus
- Light absorption meters
- Tape measures
- Laboratory sifting equipment
- Measuring rods
Knowledge
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
- Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.
- Issue permits or other legal documents.
- Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
- Communicate with government agencies.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$42850.0 - $105460.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.