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Horse Ranch Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Horse Ranch information

See Nebraska salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do horse ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for horse ranch in Nebraska is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.56 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 Nebraska? The most popular types of Horse Ranch jobs in Nebraska are:
What are popular job titles related to Horse Ranch jobs in Nebraska? For Horse Ranch jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Horse Ranch jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Horse Ranch jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Horse Ranch jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Horse Ranch job openings:
Horse Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horse Ranch job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,489 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department
USMARC-0937
Requisition Number
S_260321
Posting Open Date
04/30/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
05/11/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility near Clay Center, NE. All work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. cattle, sheep, and swine industries.
As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:
  • Provide a variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility in the beef livestock production area.
  • Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 800-1200 cattle.
  • Maintain machinery and fences,
  • Assist with pasture management
  • Assist with the collection of research data.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Travel between pastures and facilities required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock or beef industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.
Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.
About Us:
Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work? UNL is consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming, supportive culture and outstanding benefits.
As a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:
  • Generous leave benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
  • Comprehensive insurance options: medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • Tuition assistance through employee and dependent scholarship programs
  • Retirement plans with university matching contributions
  • A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Discover more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma plus one year of experience with the care and management of cattle required; equivalent education/experience considered.
  • Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
  • Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures essential.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$18.00/hr minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Sheila Trampe, sheila.trampe@usda.gov
Job Category (old)
Office/Service
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Clay Center, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

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