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Summer Ranch Hand Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summer Ranch Hand information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do summer ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer ranch hand in Iowa is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Summer Ranch Hand position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Ranch Hand, you need physical stamina, basic livestock handling skills, and familiarity with outdoor maintenance tasks, with a high school diploma often preferred. Experience using tools like tractors, ATVs, fencing equipment, and sometimes a valid driver’s license is advantageous. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to follow instructions help candidates excel in a dynamic ranch environment. These skills ensure tasks are performed safely and efficiently while supporting smooth ranch operations during the busy summer season.

What is a Summer Ranch Hand job?

A Summer Ranch Hand is a seasonal worker who assists with daily operations on a ranch. Duties may include feeding livestock, maintaining fences, herding animals, operating machinery, and general property upkeep. The job requires physical stamina, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Experience with animals and ranch equipment is often preferred but not always required.

What does a typical workday look like for a Summer Ranch Hand?

A typical day for a Summer Ranch Hand involves early mornings and physically demanding tasks such as feeding animals, mucking stalls, repairing fences, and maintaining equipment. You may also assist with herding livestock, monitoring animal health, or irrigating fields depending on the needs of the ranch. The work is often outdoors in all weather conditions and may require teamwork as well as independent problem-solving. Daily schedules can vary based on the ranch's size and specific operations, so flexibility and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed are important. This hands-on experience is a great way to develop practical skills and a strong work ethic while contributing to the ranch’s success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch Hand jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Ranch Hand jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Ranch Hand jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Ranch Hand jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Summer Ranch Hand job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,976 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
Camp Staff - Summer 2026 (Y Leaders Program) | Y Camp

Camp Staff - Summer 2026 (Y Leaders Program) | Y Camp

YMCA of Greater Des Moines

Boone, IA • On-site

$400 - $450/wk

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description
HAVE FUN WHILE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
We strive to be positive role models who make a difference in the lives of our campers. Y Leader Program (YLP) team members spend their summers using their strengths while working in a dynamic team environment to inspire others and grow in their own professional development.
EVERY position at Y CAMP positively impacts others - JOIN US, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
POSITION OVERVIEW:Y Leaders Program positions are responsible for fostering a sense of belonging in campers, providing opportunities for campers to feel achievement, and helping campers build healthy positive relationships.
JOB LOCATION: Boone, IA
WAGE: $400-$450/week ($57.14-$64.29/day); Y Camp also provides summer staff with on-site housing, meals, free onsite laundry, fiber optic internet connection, paid training and certification opportunities
SUMMER CAMP:Now - August 15, 2026. Onsite housing is a requirement for all YLP Positions.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: June 27, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES:
  • Summer Camp Leadership: Group Camping Program Manager, Day Camp Program Manager, Overnight Program Supervisor, Day Camp Program Supervisor, Staff Supervisor (2), Climber Coordinator (Age Division) (5)
  • Program Coordinators and Assistants: Aquatics Program Coordinator, Equestrian Program Coordinator, Challenge Program Coordinator, Arts and Crafts Program Coordinator, Ranch Hand (4-6)
  • Leadership Development Program Coordinators: Volunteer In Progress (VIP) Coordinator; Leaders Assistant (LA) Coordinator; Leader in Training (LIT) Coordinator
  • Support Roles: Multi- Media Specialist; Registered Nurse; Nurse Assistant; Behavioral Support Specialist; Kitchen (4); Housekeeping; Maintenance
  • Leaders (Camp Counselors): Day Camp Leaders; Overnight Cabin Leaders

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Ensure the safety of all campers in cabins, evening programs and various department settings.
  2. Volunteer to give speeches, lead songs and skits, teach an activity, or make a difference in a campers Y-Camp experience.
  3. Ensure that all equipment is safe and working properly each and every time that it is used.
  4. Be prepared to provide alternative programming activity in times of inclement weather.
  5. Ensure that you are skilled and able in whichever department that you have been assigned.
  6. Successfully balance responsibilities in department with those required in cabin and throughout camp.
  7. Report any incidents to the Program Managers, Program Director and the Summer Camp Director.
  8. Notify the Program Director and Summer Camp Director when equipment must be purchased or repaired.
  9. Complete other duties as required by the Program Managers, Program Director, Summer Camp Director or Executive Director.
  10. Other duties as assigned in scope of the duties of this position.

Requirements
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to communicate effectively across departments.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Previous overnight or day camp program experience preferred.
  • Ability to Obtain Red Cross (or equivalent) CPR/First Aid/AED Certifications
  • Intro to Y's Cause & Culture Online Course
  • Additional training to be completed prior to arrival at camp and prior to campers arriving at camp.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively with people and monitor property and activity
  • Ability to remain alert at all times
  • Ability to adapt to changing working condition
  • Ability to perform moderate physical activity
  • Ability to maneuver in a nature or rugged outdoor environment
  • Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.