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Live In Ranch Caretaker Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA

Caregiver (On Call)

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Engage in and support the facility's Activities Program to enhance residents' quality of life ... Live-Scan Fingerprint Clearance * CPR/First Aid Certificate * Negative TB Test and Health Screening

Food Server

Ventura, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

Front Desk Host

Ventura, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

Food Server

Ventura, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

LIVE YOUR WEST LIFE! JOIN OUR CAMPFIRE! Black Angus was founded by Stuart Anderson in 1964. A rancher who knew his way around a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch ...

Caregiver

Ojai, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Engage in and support the facility's Activities Program to enhance residents' quality of life ... Live-Scan Fingerprint Clearance * CPR/First Aid Certificate * Negative TB Test and Health Screening

Showing results 21-40

Live In Ranch Caretaker information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

$47.8K

$53.6K

$57.3K

How much do live in ranch caretaker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for live in ranch caretaker in Santa Barbara, CA is $53,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $56,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a live in ranch caretaker?

Live in ranch caretakers are individuals or couples who reside on a ranch property and are responsible for its upkeep, maintenance, and security. Their duties can include caring for livestock, maintaining fences and equipment, landscaping, and sometimes assisting with guest services or administrative tasks. In exchange for their work, they typically receive free or subsidized housing and may also receive a salary or stipend. This role is ideal for those who enjoy rural living, are self-motivated, and have skills in animal care, repair work, and general property management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a live in ranch caretaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Ranch Caretaker, you need hands-on experience in property maintenance, animal husbandry, and basic mechanical or agricultural skills. Familiarity with tools such as tractors, irrigation systems, and possibly certifications in livestock care or pesticide application are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the smooth operation, safety, and upkeep of the ranch, supporting both livestock well-being and property value.

What are some common challenges faced by live in ranch caretakers, and how can they prepare for them?

Live-in ranch caretakers often face challenges such as working in remote locations, adapting to variable weather conditions, and managing a wide range of responsibilities from animal care to equipment maintenance. Flexibility and self-sufficiency are key, as caretakers may need to address emergencies or unexpected issues independently. Building strong communication with ranch owners and being proactive in learning about the land, animals, and machinery will help caretakers thrive in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Live In Ranch Caretaker vs Farm Hand?

AspectLive In Ranch CaretakerFarm Hand
CredentialsMay require basic farm or ranch experience, sometimes certifications in animal care or equipment operationOften requires hands-on experience, certifications vary based on tasks
Work EnvironmentRural ranch settings, often with residential accommodationsVaries from rural farms to agricultural operations, may or may not include housing
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in ranching, livestock, and estate managementWidely used in farming, crop production, and livestock industries

The Live In Ranch Caretaker primarily manages estate and livestock care in a residential ranch setting, often with housing provided. In contrast, a Farm Hand typically performs manual farm work across various agricultural environments, with less emphasis on residential duties. Both roles require practical farm experience but differ in scope and living arrangements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch Caretaker jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

The most popular types of Ranch Caretaker jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Live In Ranch Caretaker jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Live In Ranch Caretaker job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Ranch Caretaker job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,554 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

$44K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


United States Department Of Agriculture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

These positions are located in Region 5, USDA Forest Service units.
The purpose of these positions are wildland fire suppression/management/control as a specialized firefighter on an engine, helitack module, or hand crew with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of specialized tools or equipment.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Brian Grabowski at brian.grabowski@usda.govQualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
General/Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-03: You must have six (6) months of general experience. Examples of General Experience include: any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation. Examples of general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding and tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities; Worked in a greenhouse or nursery moving, watering, and tending plants and performing other general labor tasks; Fed and watered animals, such as in a laboratory, pet store, or zoo; Any work experience, paid or unpaid. Unpaid experience, for example, may be regular volunteer work, such as at a park, community sports league facilities, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a one (1)-year of related education or appropriate firefighting training may be substituted for experience on a month-for-month basis. Firefighting training obtained as part of a high school curriculum-may be substituted for the six (6) months of general experience.
OR
An appropriate combinations of education and experience.
For the GW-04: You must have six (6) months of general experience (any type of work that demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation) AND six (6) months of specialized experience that is directly related to the work of the position.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: Performed farm/ranch labor, such as feeding/tending livestock or general maintenance of farm/ranch facilities and/or worked in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping e.g., planting, moving, watering, and tending plants and/or animal caretaker in a laboratory, zoo or pet store and/or volunteer work at a park, hospital, community sports league, local fire department, etc.
Examples of specialized experience include: Performed natural resource support work, e.g., forestry, range, park technician, wildland firefighter, or similar jobs; performed routine support assignments in a forestry specialty area, e.g., wilderness, timber, fire prevention/control, etc.
OR
Successful completion of a two (2)-year course of study in an accredited college or university in Fire Training, Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
For the GW-05: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GW-04) in the Federal service.
OR
Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study.
OR
An appropriate combination of education and experience.
Examples of specialized experience include: Patrolled areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material; Served on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires; Operated specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
Selective Placement Factors
For the GW-05 grade level, successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter 1 (FFT1)
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirementsEmployment Type: OTHER

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