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Pet Ranch Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wildland Firefighter

Wilmington, IL · On-site +1

$21.14/hr

... 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;

... ranch store and supports the Store Manager in delivering financial results, Legendary Customer ... Farming, ranching, pet/equine, or welding knowledge is strongly preferred. Must be 18 years of age ...

... ranch store and supports the Store Manager in delivering financial results, Legendary Customer ... Farming, ranching, pet/equine, or welding knowledge is strongly preferred. Must be 18 years of age ...

... ranch store and supports the Store Manager in delivering financial results, Legendary Customer ... Farming, ranching, pet/equine, or welding knowledge is strongly preferred. Must be 18 years of age ...

Pet Ranch information

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

Working at a pet ranch often involves caring for a variety of animals, each with unique needs and temperaments. Common challenges include managing unpredictable animal behavior, maintaining cleanliness in animal living areas, and handling physically demanding tasks such as lifting feed or cleaning stalls. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong observation skills, physical endurance, and a basic understanding of animal care. Being a team player and communicating effectively with colleagues is also crucial, as most tasks are coordinated among staff to ensure animal welfare and ranch operations run smoothly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pet ranch manager?

To thrive as a Pet Ranch Manager, you need experience in animal care, knowledge of animal health and behavior, and often a background or certification in veterinary assistance or animal science. Familiarity with scheduling software, animal care management systems, and basic bookkeeping tools is also important. Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills help you interact with pet owners and manage staff effectively. These skills ensure the health and safety of animals, efficient ranch operations, and high customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Pet Ranch vs Pet Groomer?

AspectPet RanchPet Groomer
CertificationsAnimal care, safety, and handling certificationsGrooming certifications (e.g., NAPCG, IPG)
Work EnvironmentAnimal care facilities, farms, or ranchesGrooming salons, pet stores, or mobile grooming vans
Industry UsageAnimal care, boarding, and ranch settingsPet grooming and styling services
Job FocusAnimal care, feeding, and general husbandryGrooming, bathing, and styling pets

Pet Ranch and Pet Groomer roles both involve working with animals, but they differ in focus and environment. Pet Ranch jobs emphasize overall animal care in ranch or farm settings, while Pet Groomers specialize in grooming and styling pets in salons or mobile units. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit for their skills and interests.

What is a pet ranch?

A Pet Ranch is a facility or business where pets, such as dogs, cats, or other small animals, are cared for and housed, often while their owners are away. These ranches provide services like boarding, feeding, grooming, playtime, and sometimes training. The environment is designed to be safe, clean, and comfortable so that pets can socialize and exercise under supervision. Pet ranches may also offer specialized care for different types of animals, ensuring their specific needs are met.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Pet Ranch jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Pet Ranch job openings:
Infographic showing various Pet Ranch job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$21.14/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Corps graduates of fire certified programs are encouraged to apply
This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression/management/control, as a firefighter on an engine, hotshot, helitack or hand crew.

Qualifications: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.
GW-03: Applicants must have minimum six (6) months experience of any type of work that demonstrates the ability to perform the work of a Wildland Firefighter position, or general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the Wildland Firefighter occupation; 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 required for a GW-03.
Examples of General Experience includes: 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.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
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 level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position. The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position. This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.
In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing. All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.
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:Employment Type: OTHER