Zapata Ranch Preserve Buffalo Herd Manager

Job Title: Zapata Herd Manager

Organization: InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC)
Location: Zapata Ranch Preserve – Southcentral Colorado

Position Description

The Zapata Herd Manager is the primary individual responsible for overseeing the buffalo herd at The Nature Conservancy’s Zapata Ranch Preserve in southcentral Colorado, in close collaboration with TNC.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the buffalo herd at the Zapata Ranch Preserve and collaborate with the Zapata Preserve Manager to ensure overall herd health, well-being, and achievement of management objectives.
• Develop, implement, and update a buffalo herd management plan in coordination with ITBC’s Executive Director and Board, TNC, Tribal Nation partners, and state and federal agencies, ensuring alignment with shared goals, objectives, and permit requirements.
• Collaborate with TNC’s Tribal and Indigenous Engagement Program Manager to design and implement opportunities for Tribal Nation partners to engage in herd-related activities, including cultural harvest, collaborative management, youth and elder access, and food sovereignty initiatives.
• Provide regular written updates and progress reports to ITBC and TNC on herd management and conservation matters.
• Implement policies and procedures to monitor, protect, and improve herd health and viability, including sick/injured animal care, monitoring pregnant cows and calves, genetics management, low-stress handling techniques, veterinary coordination, research activities, and retrieval of escaped animals.
• Coordinate closely with TNC’s Zapata Preserve Manager on operational planning and buffalo retrieval efforts.
• Stay current on best practices in herd management, ecological land management, low-stress handling, and ranch operations through assigned trainings.
• Acquire, maintain, repair, and store equipment and supplies necessary for herd operations, including vehicles, veterinary supplies, corrals, fencing, feed, tools, signage, and computer equipment.
• Maintain and repair fences, gates, corrals, chutes, and other facilities supporting the buffalo program.
• Operate within the Board- and TNC-approved herd program budget in accordance with ITBC financial guidelines; advise leadership on budgetary needs.
• Coordinate with TNC on grassland and shrubland health and resilience, including ecological monitoring and herd size recommendations to ensure sustainable forage.
• Load, unload, and transport buffalo (including veterinary and disease compliance coordination) for cultural harvests, herd establishment, supplementation, or surplus reduction.
• Maintain positive working relationships with ITBC member Tribes, Tribal community members, scientists, veterinarians, visitors, and other stakeholders.
• Utilize spreadsheets and word processing software to analyze data, prepare reports, and archive records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Skills Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in buffalo and/or livestock management, including handling, nutrition, vaccination, breeding, calving, euthanizing, and transporting. Direct buffalo experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, strong communication skills, and adherence to timelines.
• Experience engaging with diverse audiences, including Tribal members, agency personnel, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of farm and ranch equipment operation, including tractors and attachments, fencing systems, water/irrigation infrastructure, hydraulic and electrical systems, and welding.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining 4WD vehicles, motorbikes, tractors, ATV/UTVs, or similar equipment.
• Proficiency in email, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license in state of residency and insurable under ITBC vehicle insurance policy.
• Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Supervision

Reports directly to the Executive Director.

Compensation

Salary dependent upon experience, starting at $28.60 per hour.
On-site housing provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
InterTribal Buffalo Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Pay: From $28.60 per hour

Experience:

• livestock: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person