Pima County’s Conservation Lands & Resources (CLR) department is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Range and Agricultural Program Coordinator to serve as the Bar V Ranch Manager in Tucson, Arizona. This is a unique live-in government role responsible for daily management of a County-owned beef cattle herd, maintaining the historic Bar V Ranch headquarters, and coordinating a hands-on ranch education program. If you’re an experienced agricultural coordinator with a passion for rangeland conservation, this is a rare and rewarding career opportunity in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.
About Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources
Land Under Management: Over 260,000 acres of County conservation lands across Southern Arizona
Cattle Operations: 13 active cattle ranches managed under sustainable conservation principles
Iconic Properties: Tucson Mountain Park, Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Agua Caliente Park
Conservation Mission: Leading implementation of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP)
Division: Range and Agricultural Lands, Water, and Special Projects (RAWS) Division
Salary & Compensation Details
Hiring Range: $54,891 – $65,873 Annually (estimated offer range)
Full Pay Range: $54,891 – $76,856 Annually
Salary Grade: Grade 11 — Classification 5561
Housing Benefit: Residence provided at Bar V Ranch main house — included with position
Job Security: Stable county government employment with full benefits package
Position Overview
This Agricultural Coordinator position — officially titled Range and Agricultural Program Coordinator — is one of the most distinctive government conservation roles in Arizona. Serving as the Bar V Ranch Manager, you will live on-site and take full daily ownership of the County’s beef cattle herd, the historic ranch infrastructure, and an active youth education program. You will report to the Natural Resources Superintendent, work within the RAWS Division, and represent Pima County at partner organisation meetings, events, and field operations across multiple conservation zones covering tens of thousands of acres.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Coordinator at the Bar V Ranch, you are steward of one of Arizona’s most ambitious local government conservation programs. Your daily decisions directly support the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, safeguard 260,000+ acres of natural landscape, maintain a living cattle operation, and inspire the next generation of ranchers and conservationists through hands-on 4-H and FFA education. This is far more than a government desk job — it is a calling for people who truly love the land.
Key Responsibilities
Cattle Herd Management & Animal Husbandry
- Oversee and support the Bar V Ranch cattle operation, including annual grazing plans, breeding programmes, and herd health management.
- Perform or supervise animal husbandry tasks including branding, vaccinating, castrating calves, and providing routine and emergency veterinary care.
- Manage cattle nutrition assessments, calving logistics, and feeding programmes appropriate to semi-arid range conditions.
- Utilise GPS and remote monitoring systems for effective cattle tracking and herd management across thousands of acres.
Rangeland Monitoring & Conservation
- Oversee or directly participate in the rangeland monitoring programme and maintain associated data sets and compliance records.
- Communicate grazing plan adherence, range conditions, and operational issues to the Natural Resources Superintendent and Programme Manager.
- Perform rangeland trend assessments, condition evaluations, rangeland health assessments, and forage utilisation and production analysis.
- Coordinate and oversee range, natural resource, and infrastructure projects across assigned conservation zones.
Ranch Infrastructure Operations & Maintenance
- Operate, repair, and maintain ranch infrastructure including fencing, water systems, solar and wind equipment across remote locations.
- Manage vehicle and livestock trailer operations on 4×4 rural roads, and operate heavy equipment for hay handling and material movement.
- Coordinate purchasing of hay and supplemental feeds appropriate for cattle and horses on the Bar V Ranch.
- Oversee upkeep of historic ranch housing facilities, remote infrastructure maintenance, and manage complex capital improvement projects.
Horsemanship & Equine Care
- Train, ride, and shoe horses for ranch work with cattle in authentic working ranch conditions.
- Provide daily care, feed distribution, and health monitoring for County-owned horses under semi-arid conditions.
- Mentor team members and volunteers in horsemanship, low-stress stockmanship, and safe equine handling techniques.
- Support safe doctoring of cows and calves in both remote rangeland and confined settings as needed.
Education Programme & Team Coordination
- Support and coordinate the Bar V Ranch Education Programme in partnership with Pima County Cooperative Extension 4-H and FFA.
- Develop educational content, plan and lead events with staff and partners, and instruct youth and community participants on-site.
- Lead and schedule contracted crews and County staff at project sites across assigned zones.
- Supervise, train, evaluate, and mentor staff, interns, volunteers, and contracted crews in safe work practices and technical skills.
Reporting, Compliance & Administration
- Coordinate communication, activities, and compliance efforts between contracted ranchers, farmers, and the Natural Resources Superintendent.
- Prepare detailed reports related to budgets, expenditures, revenue, and range operations using Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS Online.
- Maintain thorough records of cow herd health data, grazing and pasture use planning, materials, equipment, and service history.
- Represent the Range Section professionally at meetings and events with partner organisations in the assigned conservation zone.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Range Science, Agriculture, Natural Resources, or a closely related field as determined by the department head.
- Relevant college-level education from an accredited institution may be substituted for a portion of required experience.
- Alternatively, four years with Pima County in a Range and Agricultural Specialist, Natural Resources Specialist, or related classification.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 1 year as primary manager of beef cattle and/or horse herds in a semi-arid environment covering thousands of acres.
- Minimum 3 years of practical experience training, riding, and shoeing horses for working ranch operations with cattle.
- Minimum 3 years of ranch infrastructure experience — fencing, water systems, solar/wind equipment, and heavy equipment operation.
- Minimum 2 years of organisational, administrative, and technical record-keeping experience using Microsoft Office and ArcGIS Online.
- Minimum 1 year experience supervising or training volunteers, interns, staff, or contractors in safe agricultural work practices.
- Minimum 1 year experience coordinating ranch education programmes including event planning and youth instruction.
Licenses & Special Requirements
- Valid Arizona Class D Driver License required at time of appointment — driving record subject to 39-month DOT review.
- Position requires residing in the main house at Bar V Ranch — on-site residency is a condition of employment.
- Pre-employment background check, immunisation verification, TB screening, physical, and drug screen required.
- Post-offer respirator fit test may be required depending on job site conditions and safety protocols.
About Pima County Government
Pima County Government is one of Arizona’s largest and most respected public employers, managing over 260,000 acres of conservation lands across Southern Arizona. The Conservation Lands & Resources (CLR) department leads implementation of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan — widely regarded as one of the most ambitious conservation programmes ever undertaken by a local government in the United States. With 13 active cattle ranches, iconic natural parks, and a deep commitment to sustainable land stewardship, Pima County offers career opportunities that combine meaningful public service with real, hands-in-the-dirt work in one of America’s most spectacular desert landscapes.
Equal Employment: Pima County is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce without discrimination of any kind.
Who Should Apply?
- Current Pima County Employees: This position is open to current Pima County employees only — internal applicants with qualifying experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Working Ranch Managers: With proven experience managing beef cattle, horses, and large-acreage rangeland under semi-arid conditions in Arizona.
- Range & Agriculture Specialists: From county, state, or federal agencies with conservation land management and natural resources backgrounds.
- Conservation Land Professionals: With experience in rangeland monitoring, grazing plan management, and Sonoran Desert ecosystem stewardship.
- Agriculture Educators: With hands-on ranch skills and a passion for inspiring youth through 4-H and FFA education programming.
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