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Horse Ranch Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Farm Manager

Decorah, IA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Position Overview: This role will also involve handling the management of a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean sow farm. This position is an exciting ...

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Farm Manager

Decorah, IA · On-site

Description: Position Overview: This role will also involve handling the management of a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean sow farm. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ...

All JobsHorse Ranch JobsHorse Ranch Jobs in Iowa

Horse Ranch information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do horse ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse ranch in Iowa is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced when working on a horse ranch, and how can I prepare for them?

Working on a horse ranch often requires adapting to physically demanding tasks, variable weather conditions, and long or irregular hours, especially during peak seasons. You'll frequently be responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising horses, and maintaining facilities, all of which require attention to detail and safety. Developing strong communication skills will help you collaborate effectively with other ranch staff, veterinarians, and trainers. To prepare, consider building physical endurance, learning basic equine care, and gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or internships to better understand the work environment.

What Are Different Types of Jobs at a Horse Ranch?

Jobs at a horse ranch focus on maintenance, operations, and care for horses. The duties of ranchers or managers involve overseeing operations. A groom works to care for the resident horses, while a trainer works to train the horses for riding, racing, equestrian events, or to maintain general health and fitness. Stable workers or ranch hands clean the barn, help care for horses, and perform miscellaneous tasks. Boarding facilities may have sales or marketing staff. A large ranch may also employ a breeder and veterinarian.

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

To thrive as a Horse Ranch Worker, you need hands-on experience with horse care, knowledge of animal husbandry, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ranch equipment, basic veterinary tools, and sometimes certifications in equine management or first aid are valuable. Strong communication, physical stamina, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare set outstanding workers apart. These skills are essential for ensuring the health and safety of the horses and the smooth, efficient operation of the ranch.

What is a horse ranch?

A horse ranch is a property or facility dedicated to the breeding, raising, training, and sometimes boarding of horses. Horse ranches can vary in size and may specialize in different activities such as horse breeding, riding lessons, trail rides, or training for competitions. Staff at a horse ranch typically care for the horses' daily needs, maintain facilities, and manage ranch operations. Horse ranches are often located in rural areas and may also host events or offer recreational programs for visitors.

What is the difference between Horse Ranch vs Horse Trainer?

AspectHorse RanchHorse Trainer
Required CredentialsExperience with horse care, sometimes certifications in equine managementEquine training certifications, riding experience
Work EnvironmentRanches, farms, outdoor settingsTraining facilities, stables, outdoor arenas
Employer & Industry UsageEquine farms, ranches, breeding operationsTraining centers, riding schools, equine facilities

While both roles involve working with horses, a Horse Ranch focuses on overall horse care, management, and farm operations, whereas a Horse Trainer specializes in training horses for riding, competitions, or specific disciplines. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specialization.

More about Horse Ranch jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa? For Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Ranch jobs in Iowa are:
Horse Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Ranch job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,976 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Assistant Farm Manager

Assistant Farm Manager

Waukon Feed Ranch Inc

Decorah, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description:

Position Overview:

This role will also involve management of a modern day, state of the art farrow to wean, sow farm. This position is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual who is looking to take their skillset and career to the next level and contribute to the growth and success of our company.


Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Supports Farm Manager with overseeing and being actively involved in all sections of the sow farm including all areas of breeding and farrowing, management of employees, understanding of barn operations
  • Provide leadership for the farm staff, be a role model, delegate work assignments, and hold team accountable
  • Ensure operational aspects of farm are taken care of appropriately including making sure equipment is functioning properly, feed systems and feed quality are monitored, and maintenance and repairs and completed.
  • Assists Farm Manager to ensure financial success of farm-overseeing payroll, supplies, maintenance/repair budgets, and production reports
  • Have excellent communication with all team members, WFR Swine Management Team, and WFR Staff.
  • Participate in assigned training sessions and leadership meetings to support professional growth and contribute to organizational development
  • Provide leadership and guidance to develop staff to their fullest potential through comprehensive training, effective onboarding, and clear delegation of responsibilities.
  • Manage, coach, and mentor team members while promoting an inclusive, positive work environment.
  • Foster collaboration by balancing individual and team priorities, placing the success of the team first, and supporting everyone’s efforts to achieve organizational goals.
  • Complete paperwork, record keeping, and farm ordering
  • Ensure the highest standards of animal wellbeing by verifying that all animals receive proper feed, water, ventilation, and overall care.
  • Shipping and receiving animals
  • Treating animals
  • Heat checking and breeding sows and gilts via artificial insemination
  • Assisting with the birthing process of sows and gilts including sleeving
  • Caring for piglets and ensuring they are off to a good start
  • Moving animals with a sort board
  • Cleaning facilities including power-washing, disinfecting, scraping manure, picking up cleanings, and removing deceased animals
  • Weaning piglets from their mothers and giving wean shots
  • Processing piglets including castration, docking tails, tattooing, and giving injections
  • Following the proper steps for timely euthanasia
  • Pen management, culling, sorting
  • Keeping detailed, accurate records that comply with integrator
  • Testing via blood/saliva samples as needed
  • Understand & follow WFR’s biosecurity protocol, must shower in and out of the facility
  • Understand & follow WFR’s animal welfare policy
  • Understand & follow WFR’s handbook and procedures
  • Work respectfully with a diverse team
  • Maintain PQA+ certification

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • 1 year in the swine industry with proven leadership ability or actively fulfilling an MIT or leadership position in our system

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership
  • Ethical
  • Strong interest in work with animals with a desire to learn and self-develop
  • Self-motivated team player with a positive attitude
  • Strong prioritization and organizational skills
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand, walk and be on feet for 8 to 10 hours a day
  • Ability to frequently bend, reach, squat & kneel
  • Capable to do repeated actions
  • Effectively communicate with team members

Work Environment

  • Schedule: Must work scheduled days and hours, will work weekends and extra hours as needed. Must work full time, a minimum of 80 hours each pay period.
  • Environment: indoors and outdoors, dusty environments, hog farm. Nosie level is usually moderate to loud.
  • Travel: Requirements are limited. May have to travel occasionally for meetings, supplies, etc.

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