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Cattle Ranch Worker Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM · On-site

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM · On-site

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

NM · On-site

$50K/yr

Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...

Cattle Ranch Worker information

See New Mexico salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cattle ranch worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch worker in New Mexico is $16.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.85 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in New Mexico? For Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Worker jobs in New Mexico are:
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Worker job openings in New Mexico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,055 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Rehab Specialist - Private 3 Horse Ranch

EquiStaff

Santa Fe, NM

$65/hr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the Facility 
Situated on ~300 acres outside of the center of Santa Fe, NM, this beautiful private ranch is complete with a 10 stall barn, outdoor riding arena, and 8 miles worth of private trails for the resident horses and their humans to enjoy! Providing a forever home for the family's 3 horses, this ranch will soon grow to include cattle grazing on the pasture land and a small armada of donkeys to protect them (NOT under the equine staff's care!). Located less than 20min from the heart of Santa Fe, this property provides a unique blend of tranquil ranch living but convenient access to civilization!

Job Description 
We are looking for a compassionate, experienced equestrian to join this facility as the Rehab Specialist of the owner's 3 forever horses. Aged in their early teens, the horses here have been trained up under Parelli principals, and do not have any competition goals or rigorous demands. Though after a particularly trying 2025, the team is in need of someone well versed in performance therapies and rehab work to strengthen the team and better the lives of the horses on-site. This person will be responsible for collaborating closely with the existing team and veterinarians to devise a rehab and ongoing maintenance plan for the horses, along with maintaining the highest standards of care alongside the rest of the team. The owner is open to exploring any devices/therapeutic modalities that this individual may be experienced with, including PEMF, Laser, Cryotherapy, myofascial release, training with a Pessoa rig, and more. With a typical work schedule running 7:30am-4:00pm just 4 days per week, there are generally at least 2 individuals working in the barn at all times. The ideal individual will have an easygoing personality and will be willing to collaborate closely with the existing team, but be accustomed to providing meticulous care for the horses at all times. This person must be well experienced in western riding principals, and have a gentle, horses-first mentality. 
There is a team of maintenance professionals who handle all facility upkeep, fence fixing, etc - and the cattle and donkeys are not the responsibility of the equine care team beyond basic oversight in the event of an emergency. This is truly a position centered around providing the best possible care for the 3 horses on-site for the duration of their lifetimes!

This is NOT a leadership position. There will be no training or management of additional staff, and applicants MUST be willing to observe and adhere to the existing structures and quiet nature of the team here.

Schedule will be Sunday/Monday/Tuesday with the 4th day either Saturday or Wednesday, with a reasonable degree of flexibility depending on other staff. Ideally this position will begin Labor Day weekend.

Job Duties
- Feed horses - 2x/day for gain and 4x/day for hay
- Bring horses to/from turnout
- Stall Cleaning Daily
- Check horses' feet before and after turnout and working
- Groom and provide care for horses, including daily use of therapeutic technologies 
- Collaborate closely with Owner and Veterinary team to devise rehab and maintenance plan for the horses
- Exercise horses both in the arena and on the trails on schedule in collaboration with the Barn Manager, Trainer and Owner ~1hr per ride, 2 horses per day
- Monitor for any signs of illness, injury, or various other equine ailments - and treat accordingly

*Ability to perform night check duties for additional income is possible!

Job Requirements 
- Minimum 5 years professional working experience in an established equestrian program
- Minimum 2 years rehab experience in an established program
- Minimum 8 years riding experience, preferably with Western riding styles 
        *Familiarity with Parelli training methods is preferred but not required
- Must be comfortable signing a 1 year commitment in this role
- Must be capable of driving a 3 horse gooseneck trailer in event of emergency
- Must be willing to follow detailed care instructions and uphold owner's standards of horsecare at all times
- Must be able to bandage and provide basic first aide for horses
- Easygoing, collaborative teamwork attitude
- Willing to do all aspects of horse care 
- Possess a strong attention to detail and high care standards for horses
- Must be a team player and willing to modify schedule as needed to cover vacations/sick days/etc
*Bonus if familiar with rehab modalities - i.e. massage, laser, PEMF, theraplate, etc
*Bonus is comfortable and able to give IV/IM injections

Benefits
- $65/hr with an average 35hour work week for an expected base comp totaling around $115,000
- 50% employer paid health insurance
- Relocation Stipend Available - amount depending on individual scenario
- 4 day work week 
- 1hr paid lunch daily
- Ability to make additional income with night check responsibilities

Housing
Applicants must be willing to source their own housing within 45min of the ranch
On average, a newly built/high quality rental can be found for about $1000/mo in the local area - but prices can be as low as $800/mo. A quality and reliable vehicle is required for this opportunity

Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME