Also called: Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, Mustang Program Specialist
Works for the Bureau of Land Management managing wild mustang and burro herds on public land in the West.
The specialist flies or drives across the desert to count herds, checks water and grass, and plans roundups when herds grow too big for the land. At holding corrals they check horses’ health, and at adoption events they help families take home a mustang. They also work with ranchers and the public, who often have strong feelings.
Federal pay scale.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Degree in range science, animal science or wildlife biology.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Rangeland Ecology, Animal Science, Wildlife Biology.
Growing about average. Small, steady federal program.
Low risk for 10 years. Drones and AI may help count herds, but handling horses and range decisions stay with people.
Classes: Biology, Agriculture CTE class, Statistics.
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