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Entry Level Ranch Hand Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Ranch Hand information

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$10

$16

$23

How much do entry level ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level ranch hand in California is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Ranch Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ranch Hand, you need basic knowledge of livestock care, equipment operation, and general farm maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like tractors, fencing tools, and sometimes basic animal health record systems is typically required. Strong work ethic, reliability, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient ranch operations, animal well-being, and safe teamwork in a physically demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level ranch hands, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level ranch hands often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, long hours outdoors in varying weather conditions, and quickly learning new skills like animal care, equipment operation, and basic maintenance. Overcoming these challenges involves staying physically fit, being open to feedback from more experienced team members, and proactively asking questions to clarify tasks. Building strong communication with supervisors and peers also helps create a supportive environment where you can learn and grow more efficiently.

What are entry level ranch hands?

Entry level ranch hands are workers who assist with the daily operations of a ranch, often performing manual labor such as feeding livestock, cleaning stalls, repairing fences, and maintaining equipment. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced ranch staff and gain hands-on experience in animal care, land management, and ranch maintenance. This position is ideal for individuals interested in agriculture or animal husbandry and looking to start a career in the ranching industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ranch Hand vs Farm Worker?

AspectEntry Level Ranch HandFarm Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; no formal certifications typically requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; may have basic agricultural training
Work EnvironmentRanches, open fields, livestock areasFarms, fields, crop areas
Employer & IndustryRanching operations, livestock industryAgricultural farms, crop production
Common TasksFeeding animals, fencing, basic maintenancePlanting, harvesting, general farm chores

Both roles involve outdoor work in agricultural settings, but a Ranch Hand typically focuses on livestock care and ranch maintenance, while a Farm Worker often handles crop-related tasks. The skills and environment overlap, making them closely related entry-level positions in agriculture.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch Hand jobs in California? The most popular types of Ranch Hand jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs in California? For Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Ranch Hand job openings:
Entry Level Ranch Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ranch Hand job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,165 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Greenskeeper/Irrigation Technician

THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH

Laguna Beach, CA • On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Some of our full-time benefits include: *Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, Retirement Savings Plan, Free Golf (*restrictions apply)

POSITION OVERVIEW
Under supervision, work on entry level activities involved in golf course maintenance and construction, performs limited tasks required for landscape development.

Duties and Responsibilities   
 

  • Monitor and water Golf course on a daily basis.
  • Repair and maintain any and all pipes and sprinklers on the golf course. Operate specialized equipment for intricate golf course projects to include aerifiers, topdressers, skip loader, backhoe, etc.
  • Perform general landscape maintenance using hand held equipment.
  • Perform periodic general maintenance on irrigation systems within assigned areas.
  • Clean and adjusts sprinkler heads to ensure proper function and coverage and replace or repair broken equipment.
  • Set and check timers/clocks to ensure proper operation and respond to any and all requests regarding irrigation in a timely manner.
  • Install irrigation system additions and modifications.
  • Operate small machinery to assist with edging, trimming and mowing.
  • Prepare soil beds for sod, seed and vegetative material.
  • Involved with tasks related to course detail (weed and debris clean-up).
  • Various tasks require physical management of tools and equipment during periods of extreme weather conditions. 
  • General knowledge of the tools, methods and materials used in golf course and landscape maintenance work. 

Ability to follow oral instructions related to safety compliance.

NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as required in addition to the principal duties outlined above. 

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS
In addition, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the requirements of The Ranch:

  • Clean maintenance area and equipment.
  • Report any conditions or challenges that need attention to the Superintendent.
  • Additional duties as necessary and assigned.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION
Education and Licensing
•    High school or equivalent education required.  Valid, up to date California Driver’s License in required.

Skills and Experience
•    Past golf course maintenance experience required. At least 3 years prior irrigation experience required. Golf course experience preferred.

Grooming
•    All team members must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per The Ranch standards.

Competencies

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
  • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.  Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to communicate customer needs and resolve complaints independently. Ability to act independently with minimal or no supervision.
  • Ability to recognize, communicate and/or resolve irrigation repair and maintenance challenges.
  • Ability to operate, repair and maintain irrigation system, pump station, irrigation computer system.
  • Ability to safely operate golf course equipment. Must be able to work with power operated landscaping equipment.
  • Knowledge of the methods, techniques, tools, and equipment used in golf course irrigation repair and maintenance.
  • Working knowledge of basic electricity and hydraulics related to an irrigation system, including automatic valves and controllers, and working knowledge of various types of pumps and pumping systems required.

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Physical Demands

  • Most work tasks are performed outdoors. Walking and standing are required for most of the working day, including on uneven surfaces. Length of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced ability and work in a fast paced environment.
  • Must be able to repetitively lift, push, pull and carry up to 25 to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 75 lbs. occasionally.
  • Requires grasping, squatting, standing, sitting, crawling, kneel and twist on a frequent basis, often for prolonged periods, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
  • Talking and hearing occur occasionally in the process of communicating with guests and supervisors.
  • Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.
  • Must be able to accurately follow instructions, both verbally and written and work well under pressure.
  • Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions (rain, sleet, ice, snow, and heat).

Other:

Regular attendance is essential to the successful performance of this position.  Irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Due to the fluctuation in business levels in the hospitality industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of The Ranch.  In addition, attendance is required at all scheduled training sessions and meetings.

Upon employment, all team members are required to fully comply with company rules and regulations for the safe and effective operation of The Ranch’s facilities.  Team members who violate The Ranch rules and regulations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

This description is intended to indicate the typical kinds of tasks and levels of difficulty that are required of positions given this title.  This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a team member in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of team members under their supervision.

Flexibility with working hours and on-call rotation.

Apply