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Barn Hand Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Barn Crew staff are scheduled for 4-5 hour shifts which may begin as early as 6:30 AM to as late as ... Providing medical care and first aid (e.g. medicating, icing, bandaging, hand-walking). * Grooming ...

Back Tag Operator

Plainwell, MI

$14 - $16.50/hr

Responsibilities: · Serve as the Supervisor's right hand person · Process all incoming cattle paperwork · Run the scale in the barn · Complete the cattle tickets · Set up the Harvest line up · ...

Back Tag Operator

Plainwell, MI

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Serve as the Supervisor's right hand person Process all incoming cattle paperwork Run the scale in the barn Complete the cattle tickets Set up the Harvest line up Communicate line up of cattle to ...

Back Tag Operator

Plainwell, MI

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Responsibilities: · Serve as the Supervisor's right hand person · Process all incoming cattle paperwork · Run the scale in the barn · Complete the cattle tickets · Set up the Harvest line up · ...

Back Tag Operator

Plainwell, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Responsibilities: • Serve as the Supervisor's right hand person • Process all incoming cattle paperwork • Run the scale in the barn • Complete the cattle tickets • Set up the Harvest line ...

Barn Hand information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do barn hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for barn hand in Michigan is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Barn Hand might face during daily operations?

Barn Hands often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable animal behavior, adapting to varying weather conditions, and handling physically demanding tasks like cleaning stalls or moving feed. Working early mornings, weekends, and holidays is common to ensure animals receive continuous care. Effective communication with other staff members is essential for coordinating tasks and maintaining animal welfare. Those who are adaptable and proactive tend to thrive in this environment.

What is the difference between Barn Hand vs Stable Hand?

AspectBarn HandStable Hand
CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required
Work EnvironmentBarns, stables, outdoor areasStables, riding arenas, outdoor paddocks
Job DutiesCleaning stalls, feeding, basic maintenanceFeeding, grooming, caring for horses
Industry UsageCommon in farms, ranches, equestrian centersCommon in stables, riding schools, equestrian facilities

Both roles involve caring for horses and maintaining stables, but a Barn Hand typically performs more general farm chores and maintenance, while a Stable Hand focuses more on direct horse care and grooming. The roles often overlap, but the Stable Hand may require more hands-on horse handling skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Barn Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Barn Hand, you need a strong understanding of animal care, physical stamina, and basic maintenance skills, with experience around horses or livestock often preferred. Familiarity with tools like pitchforks, grooming kits, and sometimes small machinery is important, though formal certifications are rarely required. Dependability, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, the smooth operation of the barn, and the safety of both staff and animals.

What are barn hands?

Barn hands are workers responsible for the daily care and maintenance of animals and facilities on a farm or ranch, particularly in barns. Their duties typically include feeding and watering animals, cleaning stalls, grooming livestock, and assisting with basic animal health care. Barn hands may also help with repairs, equipment maintenance, and other general farm tasks. This role is essential for ensuring the well-being of animals and the smooth operation of agricultural activities.
What are popular job titles related to Barn Hand jobs in Michigan? For Barn Hand jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Barn Hand jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Barn Hand job openings:
Infographic showing various Barn Hand job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 4% Internship, 58% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,857 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Part-Time Barn Crew

Part-Time Barn Crew

Albion College

Albion, MI • On-site

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description
Albion College invites applications for the part-time barn crew position. Barn Crew staff are scheduled for 4-5 hour shifts which may begin as early as 6:30 AM to as late as 7:00 PM and the facility is open 7 days per week. Responsible for daily cleaning of stalls, grooming, feeding and care of horses. We are especially interested in candidates who will contribute to a campus climate that emphasizes a commitment to working with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures and backgrounds.
FLSA Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Employment Status: At-Will
Essential Job Functions:
  1. Mucking and bedding stalls.
  2. Turning out and bringing in horses from pasture or hot-walkers.
  3. Preparing and giving feed and water to horses.
  4. Providing medical care and first aid (e.g. medicating, icing, bandaging, hand-walking).
  5. Grooming, to include bathing and clipping.
  6. Blanketing horses.
  7. General cleaning and maintenance.
  8. Cleaning and conditioning of tack and equipment.
  9. Updating records.
  10. Other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of College mission, services, policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of horse behavior and instincts
  • Knowledge of general horse health such as normal ranges of temperature, pulse and respiration
  • Problem solving skills
  • Clipping skills-preferred
  • Ability to perform tasks in a timely fashion while working efficiently and managing multiple tasks
  • Ability to interact with clients and co-workers in a professional manner
  • Ability to maintain proper records
  • Ability to handle horses in a manner that is safe and ethical
  • Ability to recognize a horse that is sick or injured and administer basic first aid
  • Ability to work as a team including taking pride in one's work and being responsive to feedback
  • Ability to drive a tractor
  • Ability to work without supervision and guide the work of others when needed
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies with a commitment to equity and inclusion

Working Conditions:
This position requires varied working conditions including working in stables, barns, arenas, outside and garages in all weather conditions and at all times of the day and night. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand for several hours per day; walk to all points of the facility; frequently bend, climb, reach, twist the torso, and work with repetitive arm motions below, at, and overhead. The employee may be required to wear protective gear such as gloves or mask and may be exposed to noise from power equipment. The employee must be able to lift 10-35 lbs. numerous times each day and up to 50 lbs. a few times monthly. Must be able to push and pull up to 150 lbs. occasionally. The employee must be tolerant of continuous exposure to natural airborne allergens (dust, hay, pollen, etc.), stable odors and large animals. The employee will work both indoors and out in all weather conditions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The job description can be viewed here.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience working with horses/large animals and in a barn facility preferred
  • Experience clipping and bathing horses preferred
  • Experience providing medical care to horses preferred

Application Instructions
Qualified candidates should submit an online application. This application includes questions about work experience, a commitment statement (a statement on the applicants commitment to working with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures and backgrounds in the workplace), and contact information for three (3) professional reference through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/165796.
Please contact Carolyn Killewald, Director of Operations, Equestrian Center (ckillewald@albion.edu or 517-629-0847) for questions about the position or search. A review of application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Founded in 1835, Albion College is one of the original chartered institutions of higher education in Michigan and recognized as the state's top liberal arts college by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings. Albion College offers a highly applied liberal arts education within a welcoming residential community that prioritizes belonging, faculty engagement, and student success. Albion College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status as protected by law, in all educational programs and activities, admission of students, and conditions of employment. We are especially interested in candidates who will contribute to a campus climate that emphasizes a commitment to working with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures and backgrounds. The College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
You can view and obtain a copy of the Albion College Annual Security Report from the Campus Safety website.
Albion College is an E-Verify participating employer. More information is available through the E-Verify Participation Poster and Immigrant and Employee Rights Poster.
Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws; for more information, please visit the Employment Laws page on the Human Resources site.
Visit our website at www.albion.edu for more information.