Ranch Management Internship

Location: This internship is based at the San Antonio Viejo Ranch, 45 minutes south of Hebbronville, and will include work on East Foundation properties throughout South Texas.

Salary: Compensation is $15 per hour and includes housing on the San Antonio Viejo Ranch. This is a temporary position, not to exceed 40 hours per week, with no health or retirement benefits.

Start and End Date: March 11 to June 14, 2024

Last Date to Apply for Spring: November 22, 2023

East Foundation will assist successful applicants in any way to receive university credit for the appropriate term(s).

Description: The East Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt organization established in 2007 upon the passing of Robert C. East on June 18, 2007.  The Foundation operates six ranches across approximately 217,000 acres of south Texas native rangelands, making it one of the largest private landowners in both Texas and the nation.  With administrative offices in San Antonio, the Foundation deploys a staff of over 40 throughout south Texas to meet its mission to promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. 

The East Foundation is seeking 2 interns for the Spring session. Interns are expected to participate in all facets of the Foundation, including Programs, Field Operations, Ranch Operations, and Administration. The goal of the Ranch Management internship is to equip future natural resource managers with skills in the management of cattle, range, and wildlife. The emphasis for ranch interns is to dedicate a majority of their time to understanding the importance and integration of range science in cattle management. East Foundation Ranch interns will assist with:

  • Cattle workings (branding, sorting, palpation, etc.), inventory, gathering, and rotations (80% of the time)
    • Interns will gain an understanding of stockmanship, handling, ranch economics, and husbandry
  • Vegetation surveys for forage standing crop, vegetation composition, cover, and structure (15% of the time)
    • Interns will gain skills in plant identification, vegetation sampling methods, and stocking rate calculations based on available forage.
  • Wildlife field work and education lessons (5% of the time)
    • Interns will gain hands-on experience with wildlife-related fieldwork
    • Interns will lead field lessons for students (k-12) with supervision from East staff

In addition to the duties described above: The East Foundation interns can expect to assist with the management of facilities and infrastructure.

Qualifications: Juniors, seniors, or recent graduates (1-2 years post-graduate) in Natural Resources, Animal Science, Wildlife and Range Management or related degree programs are encouraged to apply.  The ideal candidate will be an honest, self-motivated person with a strong work ethic and an interest in ranching.  Applicants should possess strong people skills, leadership qualities, and communication abilities. This position will require working long hours in adverse conditions and lifting objects greater than 50 lbs.  Successful candidates must maintain a valid driver's license.  Applicants are subjected to background checks.  Applicants must be able to use software such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, in addition to basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have at least one year of experience handling cattle.

To Apply: Please send the following documents to cpavlicek@eastfoundation.net with "Ranch Management Internship" in the subject line:

  • A 1–2 page statement of interest – describe your background, pertinent experiences and interests, accomplishments, and how this internship will benefit you.
  • Full resume – include all skills and proficiencies, volunteer experience, and/or other accomplishments.
  • Three references (contact information only).
  • A copy of your current college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy.

Contact: Cindy Pavlicek, Chief of Staff
cpavlicek@eastfoundation.net