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Cattle Ranch Hand Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Cattle Ranch Hand information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do cattle ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch hand in Oregon is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Cattle Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with livestock handling, basic animal health care, and general ranch maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as tractors, fencing tools, and sometimes herd management software is typically required. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and safety of livestock, efficient ranch operations, and successful collaboration with ranch owners and coworkers.

What are some common challenges faced by cattle ranch hands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cattle ranch hands often encounter challenges such as working long hours in varying weather conditions, handling unpredictable livestock, and performing physically demanding tasks like feeding, herding, and fencing. Effective time management, teamwork, and maintaining a strong awareness of safety protocols are essential for handling these challenges. Many ranches provide on-the-job training and emphasize communication among team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What are cattle ranch hands?

Cattle ranch hands are workers who assist with the daily operations of a cattle ranch. Their responsibilities typically include caring for livestock, feeding and watering cattle, repairing fences, maintaining equipment, and helping with tasks such as branding, herding, and sometimes assisting with calving. Ranch hands often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may also help with record-keeping or other general farm duties. The job requires physical stamina, practical skills, and a knowledge of animal husbandry.

What is the difference between Cattle Ranch Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectCattle Ranch HandLivestock Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor, physically demandingFarms, outdoor, similar physical demands
Industry UsagePrimarily cattle-focused ranchesVarious livestock farms including cattle, sheep, goats
Job TasksHerding, feeding, maintaining fencesFeeding, caring for livestock, cleaning pens

The main difference between a Cattle Ranch Hand and a Livestock Worker is the focus of their work. Cattle Ranch Hands typically work specifically with cattle on ranches, performing tasks like herding and fence maintenance. Livestock Workers may handle various types of farm animals across different farms. Both roles require outdoor work and physical effort, but the Cattle Ranch Hand role is more specialized in cattle management within the ranching industry.

What are popular job titles related to Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Oregon? For Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Cattle Ranch Hand job openings:
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Hand job openings in Oregon as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,246 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Ranch Equipment & Fencing Operator

Ranch Equipment & Fencing Operator

Simplot

Paisley, OR

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 378 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

Summary

This position supports the maintenance, repair, and remodeling of residential and commercial facilities within a large ranching operation. Responsibilities include assisting with building construction, plumbing, electrical work, and a variety of general maintenance tasks. The role also involves operating heavy equipment and related implements to complete a wide range of construction, ranch, and farming projects as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform maintenance and repairs on company property, buildings, and facilities, including planning, troubleshooting, and general upkeep.
  • Construct and maintain ranch fencing, including barbed‑wire fences, wooden corrals, and pipe fences.
  • Assist with winter cattle feeding, which may involve operating machinery to load and distribute hay, feeding hay by hand, and transporting hay to various ranch locations. Maintain accurate records of hay usage, including location, type, date, and amount fed.
  • Maintain and develop livestock water systems by repairing pipeline breaks, replacing spring boxes, and developing new water sources on the range. Ensure preventive maintenance is scheduled and completed.
  • Analyze projects to determine material needs and develop timelines for completion.
  • Operate heavy equipment—such as water trucks, cement trucks, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders, and graders—to complete maintenance and construction tasks.
  • Use basic welding skills to repair or construct corrals and related structures.
  • Perform light equipment maintenance, including fueling, checking fluid levels, and coordinating timely servicing with mechanics.
  • Carry out additional duties as assigned by supervisors.
Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge & Skills
  • Strong knowledge of maintenance, repair, and heavy equipment operation.
  • Working understanding of stock water systems is preferred.
  • Ability to assist supervisors with project planning, including researching materials and developing practical job solutions.
  • Capable of multitasking, problem‑solving, and communicating clearly in a fast‑paced ranching environment.
  • Highly self‑motivated with the ability to work efficiently and independently.
Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of related experience and/or training.
  • An Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from a two‑year college or technical school is preferred.
  • A comparable combination of education and hands‑on experience may also be considered.
Language Skills
  • Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency.
  • Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Capable of writing routine reports and general correspondence.
Mathematical Skills
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Able to compute ratios, percentages, and other basic calculations as needed.
Reasoning Ability
  • Ability to apply practical, common‑sense understanding to follow instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form.
Physical Demands

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. 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle and manipulate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee frequently is required to walk and sit.
  • The employee is required to stand; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • The employee must be able to regularly lift up to 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • Extended hours of work and working days off are routinely required. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and loud working environments.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Requisition ID: 26121

Travel Required: Less than 10%

Location(s): L&L ZX Ranch - Paisley 

Country: United States


**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. **


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About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

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