Pathfinder Ranches
The unofficial mission of Pathfinder Ranches is “to efficiently steward the land at Pathfinder Ranches while enhancing all resource values and building capital.” Pathfinder wants to be a part of creating a great Wyoming. “We live here, we want resources to be a socio-environmental business investment. Pathfinder supports local, from Wyoming for Wyoming. We resemble an economic and conservation driving force. We have Greater sage-grouse credits and ranch leasing established, but we are exploring water leasing and carbon credits. We want to change tradition, not listen to the way others think it ‘should’ be done. We are going to do it our way, looking forward- not stuck in the here and now.” -Matt Hoobler, Director of Operations
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Summer Irrigator
This position focuses on targeting under irrigated areas within Pathfinder Ranches water rights portfolio. This means moving water into designated areas by setting tarp and earthen dams, cleaning out ditches, and reading record maps. The requirements needed for this position are to know that water runs downhill. Other than that, a large portion of it is learning as you go. It is helpful to have the ability to read maps and know how to use a GPS. Another handy ability is a good memory because a lot of the work is remembering where water needs to go on which ranch, and where the head gates and water sources are for each.
Additional Responsibilities
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Pathfinder Volunteer Days
At Pathfinder Volunteer Days, volunteers came to the ranch to participate in conservation projects. This year, dilapidated fencing was replaced with wildlife safe fencing and migration gates. A spring was also fenced out to allow for regrowth and a healthy place for wildlife. I also had the additional responsibility of volunteer sign in, main site set up, and main site break down.
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Range Tech Monitoring
I was a third data collector when needed and worked with the range management and data collection interns. In this position, I used a Geographic Information System and technologically advanced monitoring method to collect range land health data. In this position, we identified the flora, wildlife use, level and type of erosion, type of terrain, and measured the forbes, grasses, and sagebrush.
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Cattle Branding
At the cattle branding, I did one of the three vaccinations. The calves also received an identification ear tag, an insect repellent ear tag, and a brand marking the ranch they belong to. If the calf was a male, it was also castrated.
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Benefits
There are many benefits when working for Pathfinder Ranches. The scenery and places one works are enough to persuade someone to come out to Wyoming. However, this position does pay $14 per hour and provides housing if needed. There are also plenty of places to go hiking, fishing, boating, and much more during one's time off. There are also chances to network. Numerous times throughout the summer I was introduced to many people, such as employees at Watco Companies, Ecopoint, Inc., and the CEO of Sammons Enterprises. Just note, the nearest town for grocery shopping and errands is an hour away!
For more information, please visit the website: https://www.pathfinderranches.com/
or email Matt Hoobler, Director of Operations at [email protected]
Follow Pathfinder Ranches on Facebook and Instagram as well!
or email Matt Hoobler, Director of Operations at [email protected]
Follow Pathfinder Ranches on Facebook and Instagram as well!
