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Hay Loader Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

General Laborer

Greeley, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

We help farmers protect their hay and silage by installing and maintaining coverings. This work ... Ensure material is loaded and secured properly. * Maintain a clean work environment. * Implement ...

General Laborer

Haxtun, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $25/hr

We help farmers protect their hay and silage by installing and maintaining coverings. This work ... Ensure material is loaded and secured properly. * Maintain a clean work environment. * Implement ...

Hay Loader information

What is a hay loader?

Hay loaders are machines or attachments designed to pick up, lift, and load hay bales onto trailers or storage areas. They are commonly used in agricultural settings to make the process of collecting and transporting hay more efficient and less labor-intensive. Hay loaders can be standalone machines or attachments for tractors, and they handle both square and round bales. Their use helps farmers save time and reduce manual handling, thereby improving productivity and safety on the farm.

What are some typical challenges faced by a hay loader and how can they be managed safely and efficiently?

Hay Loaders often work in physically demanding environments, handling large and sometimes unwieldy bales of hay. Common challenges include working in extreme weather, maintaining proper lifting techniques to prevent injury, and operating machinery safely around other workers and livestock. Effective communication with team members and adhering to safety protocols are key to managing these challenges. Regular maintenance of equipment and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) also contribute to a safer and more efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hay loader and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hay Loader, you need physical strength, stamina, and basic understanding of farm safety procedures, often gained through on-the-job training rather than formal education. Familiarity with tractors, hay balers, and loading equipment is important, and some employers may require knowledge of basic maintenance or forklift certification. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe handling and transport of hay, which is vital for farm productivity and animal welfare.

What is the difference between Hay Loader vs Farm Hand?

Hay LoaderFarm Hand
Specializes in loading, stacking, and transporting hay using machinery or manual laborPerforms a variety of farm tasks including planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance
Requires knowledge of hay handling equipment and safety proceduresRequires broad farming skills, including equipment operation and animal care
Typically works during hay season in agricultural settingsWorks year-round on farms with diverse responsibilities

The main difference is that a Hay Loader focuses specifically on hay handling tasks, often during harvest season, while a Farm Hand has a broader role involving multiple farm activities. Both roles are essential in agricultural operations but differ in scope and specialization.

Infographic showing various Hay Loader job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Ranch Hand- Maintenance/Fencing/Field & Hay Work

Craig, CO • On-site

The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Wild Animal Horse Refuge

Ranch Hand- Maintenance/Fencing/Field & Hay Work

Location: Craig, Co. 81625

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000 Exempt Full-Time- Mid Level

Primary Function: Ranch Hand Laborer/ Feeding/ Maintenance/ Field & Hay Work

Benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision is offered after 60 Days/ 401K offered after 30 Days

Director Supervisor: Executive Director/Horse Refuge Director


Organization Overview:

Our Non-Profit Organization has a positive mission and team environment!

If you have you have a strong work ethic, a passion to contribute to a great cause, then apply for our position today.

Our Refuge property has over 30,000 acres of beautiful free space for our wild mustangs to roam and continue to stay free located in Craig, Co.

We have 3 locations, as our Non-Profit Organization is well established and our mission is to rescue and provide ample space for all of our animals. Please check out our main website at: https://shorturl.at/gAJU8


Job Summary:

Ranch Hand Laborer-Maintenance(Including Electrical-Plumbing-Construction Knowledge)/Fencing/Field & Hay Work/ 70% Feeding/Animal Care Operation 10%

Perform other Job Duties as assigned 20%

*Heavy Equipment Knowledge/Experience is needed such as Utilizing Road Grader, Tractors, Skid Loader, and Hay Equipment.

Married couples would be ideal as we would discuss one housing arrangement but can look for two separate individuals as well. Already located near Craig, Co. is preferred.

We have two positions that we are seeking to fill. One is more ranch hand work, caring for the property, fence maintenance, field/hay work, and building gates/pens.

The other is being available to drive around and place eyes on herds, being available for scheduled tours, cleaning the rental house after visitors, and routinely taking pictures on property.

Both positions require security on property while communicating on a regular basis to direct supervisor.

Each position hired would have their own salary.


With the guidance and under supervision of the Executive Director and Horse Refuge Director, these positions will execute day to day functions regarding the herds/horses, feeding, water haul, food haul, diet and nutrition, driving around property with supplies, perform all duties in a safe manner while following company protocol, custodial, sustainability, and long-term equipment care. Field and Hay work. Electrical and Plumbing. Construction background is preferred. Perform other related job duties as assigned.


Specifically, we are looking for people that possess the following qualities:

  • Great attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic
  • Determination
  • Positive attitude
  • Honesty
  • Belief in organization's mission


Required/Other:

  • Valid State Drivers License
  • Able to lift 75lbs or more
  • Able to work as a team

As you can see, we are looking for people who possess strong foundational skills with an attitude to succeed. It's incredibly important for each applicant to know in their heart they are truly ready to become part of something bigger than themselves and actually possess all of the core ingredients required.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding service opportunity with real purpose, you are special and we want to meet you!


Clear Focus:

The above Job Description is intended to describe the general duties/nature of the level of work being performed. This Job Description is not to be constructed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, and skills required. Job Descriptions are somewhat fluid and will change depending on the Organization's strategic direction and overall objectives accordingly.

Background Check Statement:

Approval for Hiring is contingent upon successfully passing a background check prior to your Hiring/Acceptance/Offer. This background check does not report to any credit bureau and no impact will be seen on the applicants side. This process helps the Company screen for any past background experiences that pose a threat or a discrepancy to the Organization, as TWAS does not hire any violent offenders, or individuals that have been charged criminally involving endangering/threating/hurting children and/or animals. By applying you are authorizing The Wild Animal Sanctuary to perform this background check.

EEOC Statement:

Our Non-Profit organization, "The Wild Animal Sanctuary" is an equal opportunity employer.All applicants will be considered foremploymentwithout attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.