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Summer Ranch Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Driver

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Schedule: This is a seasonal position with options through the spring, summer, and fall months. Schedule arranged with Director of Agronomy Operations. Part time, non-exempt. * Environment: The ...

Seasonal Driver

Waukon, IA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Schedule: This is a seasonal position with options through the spring, summer, and fall months. Schedule arranged with Director of Agronomy Operations. Part time, non-exempt. * Environment: The ...

Summer Ranch information

What is a Summer Ranch job?

A Summer Ranch job typically involves working on a ranch during the summer months, assisting with daily tasks such as feeding animals, maintaining fences, herding livestock, and general ranch upkeep. Depending on the ranch, duties may also include horseback riding, irrigation, assisting with guests, or participating in farm-related activities. These jobs provide hands-on experience in agriculture, animal care, and outdoor labor. They are great for those who enjoy physical work, nature, and learning about ranch life.

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

To thrive in a Summer Ranch position, you need practical skills such as animal care, basic maintenance, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn hands-on ranch tasks. Familiarity with farming equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes a valid driver's license or first aid certification are valuable. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and a positive attitude are important soft skills for working in a rustic and often fast-paced environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring both personal safety and the smooth operation of ranch activities throughout the busy summer season.

What does a typical day look like for someone working at a Summer Ranch?

A typical day for a Summer Ranch worker can involve a variety of tasks such as feeding and caring for livestock, repairing fences, assisting with haying, cleaning stalls or barns, and helping with general maintenance around the property. Workdays often start early and can be physically demanding, especially during haying or animal roundup season. Ranch work is usually done as part of a small, collaborative team, requiring good communication and cooperation. While some tasks follow a daily pattern, weather and the needs of animals can lead to frequent changes, making flexibility important. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities for those interested in agriculture, animal care, or rural living.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ranch jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Ranch jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Summer Ranch jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Summer Ranch job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Ranch job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Part Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Camp Staff - Summer 2026 (Y Leaders Program) | Y Camp

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

YMCA

Boone, IA • On-site

$400 - $450/day

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,979 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

496th of 698 rated non-profit organizations


Job 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: July 5, 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

ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS:

  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.

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