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Ranch Assistant Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Ranch Assistant information

See Merced, CA salary details

$8

$16

$22

How much do ranch assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for ranch assistant in Merced, CA is $16.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.65 and $17.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ranch assistant?

Ranch assistants are workers who support the daily operations of a ranch, which may include caring for livestock, maintaining fences and equipment, assisting with feeding and watering animals, and performing general maintenance tasks. They often work under the supervision of a ranch manager or owner and help with seasonal activities such as branding, calving, and harvesting feed. Ranch assistants must be comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions and may need skills in animal care, equipment operation, and basic repairs.

What are some common challenges ranch assistants face during their daily responsibilities?

Ranch Assistants often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, handling large or uncooperative livestock, and balancing multiple tasks like feeding, maintenance, and repairs. The role can be physically demanding and may require early mornings or long hours, especially during calving or harvest seasons. Working closely with other ranch staff and being adaptable are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth ranch operations.

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

To thrive as a Ranch Assistant, you need practical knowledge of animal husbandry, basic equipment operation, and general maintenance skills, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with tools such as tractors, irrigation systems, and sometimes livestock management software is typically required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with ranch owners and handling unpredictable tasks. These skills ensure efficient ranch operations, animal welfare, and the ability to adapt to a variety of daily challenges.

What is the difference between Ranch Assistant vs Ranch Hand?

AspectRanch AssistantRanch Hand
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require basic farm or ranch experienceHigh school diploma; experience often preferred but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentRanch settings, assisting with daily operations, animal care, and maintenanceRanch settings, performing manual labor, animal herding, and equipment maintenance
Job DutiesSupporting ranch managers, handling animals, maintaining facilitiesPerforming physical tasks, herding livestock, repairing fences and equipment

Both Ranch Assistants and Ranch Hands work in ranch environments, often performing physical labor and animal care. Ranch Assistants typically support ranch managers and may have slightly more administrative or supervisory duties, while Ranch Hands focus on manual labor and day-to-day tasks. The roles are similar, with overlapping skills and work settings, making them common points of comparison for those seeking employment in ranching.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Ranch jobs in Merced, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Ranch Assistant jobs in Merced, CA?

For Ranch Assistant jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Ranch Assistant jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Ranch Assistant jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Ranch Assistant jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Ranch Assistant job openings:

Ranch Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ranch Assistant job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,910 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Assistant Ranch Foreperson Driveon- Fox 1 Ranch

Foster Farms

Merced, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 444 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description Job Description(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am) Contribute to and assist Ranch Manager to oversee all ranch activities and functions of assigned fryers and fryer ranch. Assist manager to direct the grow out of fryers through the setup of the ranch, brooding, temperatures, ventilation, mortality, vaccinations, medications, so that conditions are maintained to meet the highest possible level of quality. Maintain the ranch facilities, to include appearance, arranging with the maintenance department, needed materials and service calls. Follow and enforce strict sanitation procedures being constantly aware of the bird's health; report any abnormalities to the Manager or Field Supervisor. React responsibly to emergencies that could adversely affect the chickens, day or night. Assist Ranch Manager to manage and control all ranch production costs, to include. all labor, fuel, supply, utility, medication, and ranch maintenance costs. Maintain accurate and complete records pertaining to all ranch activities, i.e., feed, mortality, fuel, production, and energy consumption. Assist Ranch Manager to provide proper training and delegation of duties to all ranch personnel. Adhere to and enforce company safety, animal welfare and disease prevention guidelines. Additional Functions include, but limited to, perform other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications Must have completed the Chicken Grow Out Training Program. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with a minimum of supervision. Must possess supervisory and leadership skills. Must have good mathematical and organizational skills. Must have good written and verbal communication skills (Basic English). Must be able to move and lift 50 pounds. Preferably, will have a mechanical aptitude. Must be willing and able to respond as necessary to alarms and adverse conditions affecting the chickens. Must be able to work as scheduled/needed to include overtime, evenings, holidays and weekends. Must be able to follow and enforce company standards, guidelines and policies on anyone working on his/her ranch complex. Must have the ability to work at other ranches/complexes as needed.

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