Ranch Hand  Department: Land and Cattle Reports to: Land and Cattle Manager/Director of Equine & Agriculture Operations Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE The Ranch Hand supports the day-to-day land, cattle, and infrastructure operations of the Ranch. This role is hands-on and operational, assisting the Land and Cattle Manager in maintaining healthy livestock, functional ranch resources, and safe, well-maintained facilities. The Ranch Hand plays a critical support role in ensuring smooth ranch operations while upholding the Ranch’s standards of professionalism, safety, and guest awareness.  

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES   Assist with daily cattle operations including moving, sorting, feeding, doctoring support, and general herd care as directed. Support pasture rotation, irrigation efforts, and land management projects. Install, move, monitor, and maintain hand line irrigation systems to ensure efficient water delivery and pasture health. Adjust, repair, and troubleshoot hand line irrigation including pipes, risers, gaskets, and connections. Monitor water flow, pressure, and timing to maximize irrigation efficiency and report issues to the Land and Cattle Manager. Assist with hay delivery, stacking, feeding, and seasonal feed programs for cattle and horses. Build, maintain, and repair ranch fencing, gates, corrals, and livestock facilities. Perform general ranch labor including rock picking, land clearing, and pasture upkeep. Assist with irrigation setup, monitoring, and basic repairs. Support construction or improvement projects related to ranch infrastructure. Perform limited mowing and horticulture-related tasks as needed, including operating mowers or small equipment to maintain select landscaped, irrigated, or high-traffic ranch areas. Assist with basic groundskeeping such as weed control, trimming, and upkeep around facilities, corrals, and irrigation infrastructure. Operate ranch equipment as trained, including tractors, skid steers, ATVs, and trucks. Assist with preventative maintenance, basic repairs, and cleaning of equipment and shop spaces. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the shop, tools, and work areas. Cut, split, and stack firewood as needed. Provide support across departments when needed, particularly during guest-facing ranch activities or special events. Maintain situational awareness and professionalism when guests are present on property. Perform other duties as assigned by the Land and Cattle Manager or Director of Equine & Agriculture Operations in support of overall ranch operations.  

 

QUALIFICATIONS   High school diploma or GED required. Minimum 21 years of age. Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. General knowledge of agricultural and ranch operations. Basic familiarity with ranch equipment, tools, and livestock handling. Prior ranch, farming, or agricultural labor experience preferred. Experience with fencing, irrigation, welding, or equipment operation preferred. Experience with hand line irrigation systems or flood irrigation preferred. Experience with mowing equipment, groundskeeping, or basic horticulture is a plus. Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision while following direction and ranch protocols. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety. Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding irrigation work, including lifting, carrying, and moving hand line pipe for extended periods. Working knowledge of irrigation timing, pasture water needs, and basic irrigation troubleshooting. Ability to work cohesively as part of a team and communicate effectively. Comfortable using radios or communication devices and responding promptly. Professional, approachable demeanor; occasional guest interaction required. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, and precipitation. Flexibility to work varying hours, including weekends or extended hours during peak seasons.   This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the role. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.