Ranch Hand

Laurel Springs Ranch; California (MO); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Laurel Springs Ranch in California is seeking a hands-on Ranch Hand to support daily animal care and land maintenance. This outdoors role requires stamina, reliability, and a passion for working with animals in a working livestock setting.

You will feed, monitor health, assist with basic veterinary tasks, and help move livestock across pastures while maintaining clean facilities and equipment. Weekend availability is required, with immediate start and ongoing growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with livestock such as chickens, goats or cows.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions year-round.
• Physically able to perform demanding manual labor including lifting 50+ lbs.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to operate ranch vehicles.
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends and holidays as animals require.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus but not required.
• Prior ranch or farm experience preferred; motivated beginners may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Feed, water, and monitor all livestock daily including chickens, goats, cows, dogs, and other animals.
• Observe animal health and behavior; report signs of illness or distress to management.
• Assist with basic veterinary care including medications, vaccinations, and treatments.
• Assist with breeding, birthing, and raising young animals as needed.
• Maintain clean living conditions - muck stalls, pens, and pastures regularly.
• Move and rotate livestock between pastures and holding areas.
• Maintain feed and supply inventory; notify management when restocking is needed.
• Maintain fencing, gates, corrals, and animal enclosures - inspect and repair as needed.
• Operate ranch equipment including tractors, ATVs, and hand tools.
• Maintain pastures including mowing, clearing brush, and monitoring grazing conditions.
• Assist with irrigation maintenance and water trough upkeep.
• Keep barns, outbuildings, and common areas clean and organized.
• Assist with hauling, loading, and unloading feed, hay, and supplies.
• Perform general property maintenance and support other ranch operations as directed.

Skills

Livestock care

Outdoor work

Physical stamina

Reliability

Bilingual English/Spanish

Job description

Schedule: Monday-Friday with weekend availability required
Start Date: Immediate

ABOUT THE RANCH

We are a working livestock ranch in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, less than 30 minutes from Santa Barbara, home to mixed livestock including chickens, goats, cows, livestock guardian dogs and other animals. Our operation is rooted in responsible land stewardship and the daily care of our animals. We take pride in a well-maintained property and a hardworking, close-knit team.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Ranch Hand plays an essential role in the day-to-day operations of the ranch, with a focus on animal care and land maintenance. This is a hands-on, outdoor position that requires physical stamina, a love for working with animals, and a strong work ethic. The right candidate will be dependable, attentive to the needs of the animals, and take genuine pride in the land they work.

ANIMAL CARE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Feed, water, and monitor all livestock daily including chickens, goats, cow, dogs, and other animals
• Observe animal health and behavior; report signs of illness, injury, or distress to management
• Assist with basic veterinary care including administering medications, vaccinations, and treatments as directed
• Assist with breeding, birthing, and raising young animals as needed
• Maintain clean and safe living conditions - muck stalls, pens, and pastures regularly
• Move and rotate livestock between pastures and holding areas
• Maintain feed and supply inventory; notify management when restocking is needed

LAND & PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain fencing, gates, corrals, and animal enclosures - inspect and repair as needed
• Operate and maintain ranch equipment including tractors, ATVs, and hand tools
• Maintain pastures including mowing, clearing brush, and monitoring grazing conditions
• Assist with irrigation maintenance and water trough upkeep
• Keep barns, outbuildings, and common areas clean and organized
• Assist with hauling, loading, and unloading feed, hay, and supplies
• Perform general property maintenance and support other ranch operations as directed

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Prior experience working with livestock - chicken, goats, cows, or similar animals strongly preferred
• A can-do attitude and desire to contribute to a positive, collaborative, intentional environment. We are a diverse team and value humility, ownership and accountability, curiosity, empathy, care and pride in your work.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, year-round
• Physically fit and able to perform demanding manual labor including lifting 50+ lbs
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Valid California driver's license; ability to operate ranch vehicles and equipment
• Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as the animals require
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus but not required
• Prior ranch or farm experience preferred; motivated beginners with a passion for ranch life will be considered

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive hourly wage, commensurate with experience
• Stable, long-term employment in a beautiful working ranch environment
• Opportunity to grow with the ranch operation