A hands-on leadership role in the heart of the Big Bend.

Operations Manager, Terlingua Ranch

Property Owners’ Association of Terlingua Ranch, Inc. (POATRI)

Position Summary

Terlingua Ranch is a unique and complex operation in a remote area of Far West Texas, serving property owners, travelers, staff, and the broader Ranch community across nearly 190,000 acres. This is not a traditional Operations Manager role, and Terlingua Ranch is not a typical operating environment.

The Manager of Terlingua Ranch serves as the day-to-day representative of the Board of Directors and oversees Ranch operations, staff leadership, owner relations, facilities, hospitality operations, and administrative functions across multiple departments.

This role requires someone who can successfully balance high-level operational oversight with the willingness to jump in wherever needed. The person in this role may move from budgeting and staffing decisions to troubleshooting operational issues, handling owner concerns, assisting frontline staff, coordinating projects, or responding to emergencies — sometimes all in the same day.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-moving and occasionally unpredictable environment, communicates professionally under pressure, leads by example, and can juggle multiple priorities without losing sight of the people behind the operation. Candidates seeking a highly structured corporate management role are unlikely to be successful in this position.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Leadership

• Oversee daily Ranch operations including:

  • Front Desk & lodging

  • Road maintenance

  • Facilities & maintenance

  • Restaurant operations

  • Pool, bathhouses, laundry, and common areas

  • Property Owner Services

  • Retail and office administration

• Provide oversight, direction, and support to department staff and supervisors

• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, operational priorities, and ongoing projects

• Ensure facilities remain operational and staffed during posted business hours

• Implement Board-approved policies and procedures

• Address operational issues and resolve guest, owner, and employee concerns professionally

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Operate within approved budgets and procurement policies

• Assist with annual budgeting and capital planning

• Oversee bookkeeping accuracy, reporting, and reconciliation processes

• Manage vendor relationships, purchasing, and insurance renewals

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Human Resources & Personnel Oversight

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, evaluations, and personnel processes across departments

• Support department leadership in employee development and operational continuity

• Ensure appropriate documentation, personnel records, and compliance procedures are maintained

• Assist in addressing employee concerns, disciplinary matters, and staffing needs as necessary

Communication & Public Relations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for property owners and the public

• Maintain professional and productive relationships with staff, owners, guests, and the Board

• Prepare operational reports for the Board of Directors

• Oversee Ranch website and social media presence

• Respond to owner concerns, information requests, and operational inquiries

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-department operations

• Strong leadership and personnel management experience

• Experience in hospitality, facilities management, property management, rural operations, or related fields preferred

• Knowledge of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting

• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a dynamic environment

• Comfortable working in a remote/rural setting with limited resources

Compensation & Schedule

• Salaried, exempt position

• Compensation dependent on experience

• Full-time position requiring on-site presence and operational flexibility

• Housing options may be discussed as part of the employment package

Additional Information

• Employment is at-will in accordance with Texas law

• Position includes a six-month probationary period

• Background checks and reference checks required

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume

• Brief cover letter outlining relevant experience

• References

Applications and inquiries may be directed to:

POATRI Board President

v.slominski@poatri.org