JOB POSTING:
Assistant Ranch Manager
Greater Nashville, TN
- Have you managed a cattle ranch or commercial cow-calf operation before and want to elevate your career within a world-class agricultural setting?
- Are you a dedicated, hands-on cattleman who takes pride in active field execution rather than managing from behind a windshield?
- Do you possess deep cow-calf herd health expertise, mechanical aptitude for machinery upkeep, and the leadership skills to guide a seasonal workforce?
- Are you energized by the prospect of joining an innovative, debt-free, 5,000-acre historic property with a premier 450+ head purebred herd?
- Are you looking for an exceptional, all-inclusive compensation package that includes base pay, fully provided housing, paid utilities, a work vehicle, and top-tier benefits?
Our client is a debt-free, world-class historic property spanning over 5,000 total acres in the Greater Nashville area. The estate combines a highly profitable, high-performing cattle enterprise with a private sanctuary for family, guests, and business partners. The property encompasses a premier commercial and purebred cattle herd of over 450 head (predominantly Hereford and Angus genetics), 1,000 acres of tenant-farmed row crop land, native timber, and riding horses.
Operating with a relentless commitment to quality and operational efficiency, the estate continually employs advanced pasture remediation techniques, nutritional optimization, and forage management. Through these meticulous practices, the herd consistently achieves an exceptional 95% breed-back rate. To ensure long-term continuity and support planned expansion, ownership is seeking a dedicated livestock professional to lead daily field operations while preparing for eventual succession into overall department leadership.
The Role:
The Assistant Ranch Manager is a hands-on, field-based leadership role responsible for maintaining smooth ranch operations, herd health, and forage production across the 5,000-acre estate. Working closely with the Director of Farm & Estate Management, the incoming manager will lead by example in overseeing the 450+ head purebred Hereford and Angus herd, managing rotational grazing schedules, executing hay production, and maintaining machinery and estate infrastructure.
This position features an intentional leadership succession track. After establishing daily operational excellence in the field, the incumbent will be trained in financial record-keeping, budget tracking, bill approvals, and purebred association registrations, preparing to eventually step into full administrative and operational leadership of the ranch and estate.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily Livestock Care & Herd Health: Oversee the daily welfare, nutrition, and health of the 450+ head cattle herd. Conduct daily herd checks, monitor for illness, administer vaccinations, collect DNA samples for purebred registrations, assist with calving, and coordinate closely with veterinary partners.
- Land & Forage Management: Direct and execute seasonal forage operations, including cutting, raking, baling, and stacking high-quality hay. Oversee rotational grazing schedules and pasture remediation to maintain optimal forage quality.
- Equipment & Infrastructure Maintenance: Safely operate modern farm machinery (John Deere tractors, implements, and UTVs). Perform routine preventative equipment maintenance and oversee the upkeep of high-tensile fencing and 8–9 spring and well water pump systems.
- Crew Leadership & Coordination: Direct, organize, and lead the daily work of four full-time seasonal H2A workers (April through December) and additional farm staff. Maintain clear, positive communication and foster a productive team environment.
- Business & Administrative Training (Succession Track): Learn the administrative and financial aspects of estate management, including financial record-keeping, budget tracking, bill processing, and purebred Hereford Association registrations.
- Schedule & Emergency Response: Work peak summer hours ranging from 55 to 60+ hours per week (6 days per week) during haying and pasture seasons, with more balanced winter hours. Maintain 24/7 on-call availability for rare property emergencies (e.g., loose cattle or water pump repairs) and support ownership visits.
Qualifications & Professional Experience
- Direct Cattle Experience: 3 to 5+ years of hands-on experience on a commercial cattle ranch, cow-calf operation, or as a farm foreman.
- Workhorse Work Ethic: A true "boots on the ground" mindset—someone who thrives being in the field, in the tractor seat, and working cattle directly.
- Mechanical & Technical Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to operate modern farm machinery (John Deere equipment) and execute basic mechanical, barn, and field infrastructure repairs.
- Bilingual Proficiency (Preferred): Conversational or fluent Spanish skills are highly desirable to effectively lead and coordinate H2A seasonal crew members.
- Professionalism & Integrity: Excellent communication skills, strong personal integrity, and a professional demeanor when representing the ranch to guests, neighbors, and industry partners.
Work Environment & Total Rewards
Our client provides an exceptional, all-inclusive compensation and perquisite package designed to attract and retain a top-tier livestock leader:
- Competitive Base Salary aligned with experience and cattle management background.
- Fully Provided Housing: High-quality, private residence provided on or near the ranch estate.
- 100% Paid Household Utilities: All essential household utilities covered (electricity, water, Wi-Fi, etc.).
- Work Vehicle & Fuel: Company truck provided for daily operations and personal use.
- Comprehensive Health & Life Coverage: Employer-provided premium health insurance and fully funded life insurance policy.
- Performance Bonus: Annual performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Regional Income Tax Advantage: Located in a state with no state income tax on earned wages.
- Relocation Assistance: Financial support available for out-of-area candidates.
Keywords
Cattle Ranch Manager, Livestock Operations, Cow-Calf Management, Purebred Angus, Purebred Hereford, Herd Health, Rotational Grazing, Forage Production, Haying Operations, Farm Management, John Deere Machinery, H2A Crew Management, Estate Stewardship, Pasture Remediation, Agricultural Operations.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity and full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws.