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Cattle Ranch Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Ranch Maintenance Worker

Lebec, CA · On-site

$43K - $43.68K/yr

Cattle leases cover about 250,000 acres (1,012 km2), and depending on the season, up to 12,000 head ... ranch. It is a diversified development and agribusiness company which has been publicly listed ...

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Calf Ranch Manager

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... hands-on cattle experience in a commercial dairy, calf ranch, or maternity barn setting. · ... Working Conditions · Spends majority of their working hours in the open air in all temperatures ...

Cattle Ranch Worker information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do cattle ranch worker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch worker in California is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Cattle Ranch Worker must have practical knowledge of livestock handling, basic animal health care, and physical stamina, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with equipment like tractors, fencing tools, and possibly certifications in animal husbandry or safety procedures is common. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are valuable for coordinating with others and responding to unexpected challenges. These abilities are crucial for maintaining animal welfare, ensuring operational efficiency, and contributing to the overall success of the ranch.

What are some of the typical challenges a Cattle Ranch Worker may face during calving season?

During calving season, Cattle Ranch Workers often encounter long hours and unpredictable work schedules, as they need to monitor cows closely for signs of labor and assist with difficult births. The role may require quick decision-making and physical stamina, especially when dealing with adverse weather conditions or unexpected animal health issues. Collaborating with veterinarians or senior ranch staff is common to ensure the well-being of both cows and newborn calves. Adaptability and effective communication are essential to address these seasonal challenges successfully.

What are cattle ranch workers?

Cattle ranch workers are agricultural professionals who care for and manage cattle on ranches. Their responsibilities typically include feeding, herding, branding, vaccinating, and monitoring the health of livestock, as well as maintaining ranch equipment and facilities. Cattle ranch workers may also help with breeding, birthing, and transporting cattle. The job often requires physical labor, basic animal husbandry skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. These workers play a vital role in ensuring the health and productivity of cattle operations.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Cattle ranch workers typically earn less than $3,000 per month, but jobs such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or skilled trades like electricians and HVAC technicians can often reach or exceed that income level without requiring a college degree. These roles may require specialized training, certifications, or experience but generally do not mandate a four-year degree.

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

AspectCattle Ranch WorkerLivestock Handler
CredentialsNone required, some experience preferredNone required, experience in handling livestock beneficial
Work EnvironmentRanches, open fields, outdoorFarms, ranches, outdoor settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in cattle ranchingBroader livestock industry, including cattle, sheep, goats

Both roles involve outdoor work with livestock, but Cattle Ranch Workers focus specifically on cattle, while Livestock Handlers may work with various animals. The job duties overlap in feeding, herding, and maintaining animal health, making them similar but with different specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in California? For Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cattle Ranch Worker jobs? Cities in California with the most Cattle Ranch Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Worker job openings in California 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 $35,700 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Ranch Maintenance Worker

Ranch Maintenance Worker

Tejon Ranch

Lebec, CA • On-site

$43K - $43.68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

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Job description

Job Summary

Performs ranch maintenance and repairs, as well as other various duties as directed.

Essential Functions:

 Ranch maintenance and repairs including but not limited to: (Fences, Corrals, Water Systems, Trees, and Roads).

 Provide support to other departments within the Ranch Operations Division or as directed by the Director of Ranch Operations and/or Vice President of Ranch Operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Required:

 Familiar with water systems.

 Basic mechanical skills.

 Basic knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, uses, repair and maintenance.

 Acetylene and electric arc welding experience desirable.

 Able to understand and follow detailed instructions.

 Good communication skills.

 Demonstrate knowledge of and apply safe working practices.

Behavioral Expectations

 Demonstrate behaviors that are of high values that include but are not limited to respect for individuals, a pro-active spirit, partnerships, business ethics, and corporate citizenship.

 Demonstrate behaviors that prove positive with all in house departments, consultants, contractors, vendors and the community.

 Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues.

 Be open and flexible to the variety of activities and demands involved.

 Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to nurture and maintain positive relationships with fellow employees, public agencies and community groups.

Qualifications

Minimum High School diploma or GED.

Possess a valid California drivers’ license in good standing.

Effectively utilize equipment in the performance of duties.

Effectively communicate orally and in writing.

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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit, use hands to finger, handle, type or operate office equipment and controls; reach with hands and arms; and climb stairs. Employee may occasionally lift and or move up to 50-100 lbs.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent to job assignments at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Company Description

Tejon Ranch Company (NYSE: TRC), based in Lebec, California, is one of the largest private landowners in California. The company owns over 270,000 acres in the southern San Joaquin Valley, Tehachapi Mountains, and Antelope Valley. It is the largest contiguous piece of private property in the state. Tejon Ranch’s agricultural operation primarily grows almonds, pistachios, and wine grapes, along with some alfalfa and the occasional row crop. Cattle leases cover about 250,000 acres (1,012 km2), and depending on the season, up to 12,000 head of cattle graze on the ranch.
It is a diversified development and agribusiness company which has been publicly listed since 1973.The company derives revenue from
resort, residential, commercial and industrial development; from selling and licensing natural resources such as minerals, oil, and water; from crops such as pistachios, and ranch operations, including leasing land for cattle grazing; from their hunting program, in which sport hunters pay to be guided on hunts for wildlife on the ranch, and from providing locations for filming commercials, television and movies.