Assistant Ranch Manager

AG HeadHunters • Nashville, TN

9h • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Ranch Manager is a hands-on, field-based leadership role responsible for daily ranch operations, herd health, and forage production across a 5,000-acre historic estate in the Greater Nashville area. The property includes a 450-plus-head purebred cattle herd, predominantly Hereford and Angus, tenant-farmed row crop land, native timber, and riding horses. The Assistant Ranch Manager will work closely with the Director of Farm & Estate Management and lead by example in the field.

The role oversees cattle care, rotational grazing, hay production, equipment and infrastructure maintenance, and seasonal staff. It also offers an intentional succession track: after establishing strong daily field operations, the employee will be trained in financial record-keeping, budget tracking, bill approvals, and purebred association registrations, with the goal of eventually assuming full administrative and operational leadership of the ranch and estate.

Peak summer work during haying and pasture seasons is 55 to 60-plus hours per week, six days per week; winter hours are more balanced. The position includes 24/7 on-call availability for rare property emergencies and support for ownership visits. Compensation includes competitive base salary, private housing, paid household utilities, a work vehicle and fuel, health and life coverage, performance bonus opportunities, and relocation assistance.

Requirements

• 3 to 5-plus years of hands-on experience on a commercial cattle ranch, cow-calf operation, or as a farm foreman.
• A hands-on, boots-on-the-ground work ethic and willingness to work directly in the field, operate a tractor, and handle cattle.
• Demonstrated ability to operate modern farm machinery, including John Deere equipment.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical, barn, and field infrastructure repairs.
• Excellent communication skills, strong personal integrity, and a professional demeanor when representing the ranch to guests, neighbors, and industry partners.

Nice To Haves

• Conversational or fluent Spanish proficiency to lead and coordinate H2A seasonal crew members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily welfare, nutrition, and health of the 450-plus-head cattle herd.
• Conduct daily herd checks, monitor cattle for illness, administer vaccinations, collect DNA samples for purebred registrations, assist with calving, and coordinate with veterinary partners.
• Direct and perform seasonal forage operations, including cutting, raking, baling, and stacking hay.
• Manage rotational grazing schedules and pasture remediation to maintain forage quality.
• Safely operate farm machinery, including John Deere tractors, implements, and UTVs.
• Perform routine preventative equipment maintenance and oversee upkeep of high-tensile fencing and 8–9 spring and well water pump systems.
• Direct, organize, and lead the daily work of four full-time seasonal H2A workers from April through December and additional farm staff.
• Maintain clear, positive communication and foster a productive team environment.
• Learn estate-management administration, including financial record-keeping, budget tracking, bill processing, and purebred Hereford Association registrations.
• Work peak summer hours of 55 to 60-plus hours per week, six days per week, with more balanced winter hours.
• Maintain 24/7 on-call availability for rare property emergencies, such as loose cattle or water pump repairs, and support ownership visits.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary aligned with experience and cattle-management background.
• High-quality private residence provided on or near the ranch estate.
• 100% paid household utilities, including electricity, water, and Wi-Fi.
• Company truck provided for daily operations and personal use, with fuel.
• Employer-provided premium health insurance.
• Fully funded life insurance policy.
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Relocation assistance for out-of-area candidates.
• Location in a state with no state income tax on earned wages.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed