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Ranch Hand Jobs in Rathdrum, ID (NOW HIRING)

Ranch Hand

Harrison, ID · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

This Ranch Hand position is part of the core team of our ranch, so they would play an important role with the planning, improvement, and future of the ranch. In addition to that they are expected to ...

Represent the Idaho Youth Ranch * Operate cash registers and credit/check processing equipment * Sort, clean, price and stock donated merchandise * Operate pallet jacks, hand carts, lift gates and ...

Represent the Idaho Youth Ranch * Operate cash registers and credit/check processing equipment * Sort, clean, price and stock donated merchandise * Operate pallet jacks, hand carts, lift gates and ...

Ability to communicate effectively with ground personnel and/or other operators using universal hand signals. * Position requires continuously and frequently bending, climbing stairs/steps, sitting ...

Ranch Hand information

See Rathdrum, ID salary details

$9

$15

$22

How much do ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for ranch hand in Rathdrum, ID is $15.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with animal care, basic veterinary skills, physical stamina, and general knowledge of ranch operations. Familiarity with equipment such as tractors, fencing tools, and sometimes livestock management software is typically required. Dependability, problem-solving, and strong communication are valuable soft skills that set outstanding ranch hands apart. These abilities are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, maintaining operational efficiency, and supporting a collaborative, safe working environment.

What is the difference between Ranch Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectRanch HandLivestock Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma often preferred; experience in ranch workSimilar; may require certifications in animal handling
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor, physically demandingFarms, outdoor, focused on animal care
Employer & Industry UsageRanching operations, agricultureFarming, livestock farms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Ranch Hands and Livestock Workers both work outdoors in agricultural settings, focusing on animal care and ranch maintenance. While Ranch Hands often perform a broader range of tasks including fencing, equipment maintenance, and general ranch duties, Livestock Workers primarily focus on caring for and managing animals. Both roles require physical stamina and experience in animal handling, making them closely related in the agriculture industry.

What Is a Ranch Hand?

A Ranch Hand, also known as a cowpoke or barn help, is a hired hand who performs a variety of jobs on a ranch. As a Ranch Hand, your responsibilities and duties will vary day to day. They may include animal husbandry, agricultural duties, and maintenance and repair work around the ranch. Ranch Hands must have experience in all aspects of running and maintaining a large ranch. Daily work of a Ranch Hand may also include herding cattle and other livestock to pasture, delivering a calf, riding a horse, building a fence, and fertilizing crops. There is always another task to do on a ranch.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Ranch Hand, and how do they contribute to ranch operations?

A Ranch Hand's daily tasks often include feeding livestock, repairing fences, cleaning barns, and maintaining equipment. They may also assist with herding animals, monitoring animal health, and supporting seasonal tasks like branding or harvesting. These responsibilities are vital to ensuring the smooth operation and productivity of the ranch. Ranch Hands usually work closely with ranch managers and other staff, fostering a collaborative and hands-on work environment.

What are ranch hands?

Ranch hands are workers who perform a variety of tasks on ranches, such as caring for livestock, repairing fences, maintaining equipment, and assisting with general ranch operations. Their responsibilities can include feeding animals, cleaning stalls, herding cattle, and helping with branding or vaccinations. Ranch hands often work outdoors in all weather conditions and may live on or near the ranch. The job requires physical stamina, practical skills, and a willingness to work long hours, especially during busy seasons like calving or harvest.
What job categories do people searching Ranch Hand jobs in Rathdrum, ID look for? The top searched job categories for Ranch Hand jobs in Rathdrum, ID are:
What cities near Rathdrum, ID are hiring for Ranch Hand jobs? Cities near Rathdrum, ID with the most Ranch Hand job openings:
Infographic showing various Ranch Hand job openings in Rathdrum, ID as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,207 per year, or $16 per hour.
Ranch Hand

$12 - $14/hr

Temporary

Medical, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

We are looking to add another Ranch Hand to our team, with the hopes of it being full time! This position is perfect for someone who enjoys manual labor, working outdoors, and wants to learn and grow in all aspects of ranch work.
Although some skills like carpentry and how to use a chainsaw would be preferred, we are all about training the right person who has a great attitude and excellent problem solving skills.
This Ranch Hand position is part of the core team of our ranch, so they would play an important role with the planning, improvement, and future of the ranch. In addition to that they are expected to help lead the seasonal team with the other core team members by being the example of our core values and mission!
Benefits
We are hoping to move this position into a full time role after the summer ends. Full time comes with health insurance, and generous paid time off. You also have the benefit of working with a great team in a very unique and beautiful location! Compensation is based on using the on -site housing with meals. If on site housing is not needed, please note this on your application.
What Your Day Will Look Like:
You Will Be Doing Ranch Maintenance Tasks:
  • Fixing cabin related issues that come up with our guest cabins and lodge
  • Addressing maintenance issues at the employee housing
  • Carpentry projects
  • Chainsaw work - hiking up horse trails in the mountains with chainsaw and other gear.
  • Long term projects that come up - like building a horse lean-to structure or sanding and staining wood floors
  • Heavy lifting and moving of furniture and appliances and...you name it!
  • Taking out trash at various ranch locations and transporting
  • Handy work
  • Sanding and staining wood furniture and floors
  • Tractor work
  • Fixing flat tires
  • Oil Changes
  • Mending fence and digging holes for posts
  • ATV, Truck, Tractor, and small engine upkeep and maintenance
  • Manual labor of weeding, mowing, trimming, planting
  • Operating a riding lawn mower
  • Driving a landscaping truck and trailer to various locations
  • Loading and unloading various lawn care machines onto trailers and trucks
  • Watering plants
  • Loading brush and transporting

You Will Help Other Departments as Needed
  • Guest shuttling for mountain bike rides
  • Loading and unloading mountain bikes
  • Washing Dishes in Kitchen
  • Pulling traps for Sporting Clays
  • Maintenance and repair needs for all departments
  • Lead Lining Children on Horses
    • Help children ages 3-6 get on and off their horses
    • Hold lead rope and walk next to the child on horseback ride
    • Help child keep their feet in stirrups
    • Keep child engaged on horse

Other Things to Expect
  • Participating in our Unreasonable Hospitality Program - We like to go above and beyond in making memorable life moments happen for our guests. It is fun to see what everyone comes up with each week!
  • Helping in other departments (like dishes or helping the barn with shuttles) because everyone helps each other here. The people who have the best summers at our ranch are the ones who get to know the folks and duties in the other departments because they not only make new friends, but also learn to appreciate the hard work everyone is doing.
  • Yes, you get 2 days off a week here because we definitely value ME time! Sometimes, though, we may need someone to come in on their day off for some extra help if a fellow teammate is sick or the barn needs help with lead lining on our busy weeks. Extra hours are almost always available for our folks who prefer the 6-7 day work week.
  • Working one night a week doing things like running karaoke, bar backing, campfire, roping, serving wine dinner, or dishes.
  • Attending ranch meetings and training sessions so we can improve communication and you are prepared to be a successful team member here.
  • Doing assigned employee housing chores if you live on the property.

  • Having a positive attitude and being excellent at figuring out how to tackle the unique projects and problems that come up at a ranch!
  • Willingness to learn and grow in all aspects of ranch work - whether that is carpentry projects or auto mechanics
  • Enjoy manual labor jobs and working outdoors in all the elements
  • Have some knowledge of how to operate tools and a desire to learn more about them
  • Physically fit and capable of all Ranch Hand duties
  • Ability to drive large trucks and ATVs
  • Be able to lift 75+ pounds and work 45-55 hours/week
  • Work with minimal supervision and use checklists
  • Comply with our ranch policies and procedures in our ranch manuals and handbooks
  • Able to demonstrate good communication skills with peers and guests
  • Willing to help in other departments as needed
  • Able to laugh and have fun!
  • Show proof of First Aid / CPR certification or pass certification on arrival
  • Must be a citizen of The United States of America or possess a current and appropriate working visa
  • Hold a valid drivers license with a clean driving record
  • Be at least 21 years of age