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Working Cattle Ranch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tejon Ranch

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Ranch Maintenance Worker

Lebec, CA · On-site

$43K - $43.68K/yr

... working practices. Behavioral Expectations  Demonstrate behaviors that are of high values that ... Cattle leases cover about 250,000 acres (1,012 km2), and depending on the season, up to 12,000 head ...

California Dairy Farms General Partnership

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Calf Ranch Manager

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... hands-on cattle experience in a commercial dairy, calf ranch, or maternity barn setting. · ... Working Conditions · Spends majority of their working hours in the open air in all temperatures ...

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Working Cattle Ranch information

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$9

$17

$23

How much do working cattle ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for working cattle ranch in California is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Working Cattle Ranch Jobs?

Jobs on a working cattle ranch focus on ranch operations related to the production of cattle and, occasionally, other farm animals. As a ranch manager or herd manager, you oversee operations, hire staff, plan a budget, and report to the ranch owner. A ranch may have a veterinary team to manage cow care and breeding. A ranch hand is a general worker who helps feed and herd livestock and performs jobs like cleaning pens and fence repair. The duties and responsibilities of a ranch foreman include assigning and overseeing daily tasks. A ranch may also have a cook and other support staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive on a working cattle ranch, and why are they important?

To thrive on a working cattle ranch, you need strong livestock handling abilities, basic veterinary skills, and practical knowledge of ranch operations, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural studies. Familiarity with equipment like tractors, ATVs, and fencing tools, as well as certifications in animal health and safety protocols, are commonly required. Physical stamina, problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability are important soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient ranch operations, animal welfare, and safety in a dynamic and often challenging environment.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working on a cattle ranch, and how can they be managed?

Working on a cattle ranch often involves long hours, physically demanding tasks, and variable weather conditions. Employees may face challenges such as handling unpredictable livestock, maintaining equipment, and managing land and water resources. Developing strong teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills is essential for overcoming these challenges. Many ranches offer on-the-job training and mentorship, which can help new hires adapt to the work environment and develop necessary skills for success.

What is a working cattle ranch?

A working cattle ranch is a type of agricultural operation where cattle are raised for purposes such as beef production, breeding, or sometimes dairy. These ranches involve the daily care and management of herds, including feeding, health maintenance, breeding, and sometimes rotational grazing. Ranch staff may also handle tasks like branding, vaccinating, repairing fences, and maintaining ranch equipment. Working cattle ranches are often large, rural properties and may also offer agritourism activities, such as ranch experiences for visitors. The work is physically demanding and requires knowledge of animal husbandry, land management, and sometimes business operations.

What is the difference between Working Cattle Ranch vs Cattle Herdsman?

AspectWorking Cattle RanchCattle Herdsman
CredentialsExperience in ranch work, possibly certifications in livestock managementExperience in cattle care, sometimes certifications in animal husbandry
Work EnvironmentRanch settings, outdoor, physically demandingOutdoor, primarily tending to cattle in pastures
Employer & IndustryRanch owners, agricultural industryFarmers, livestock companies

Both roles involve outdoor cattle care, but a Working Cattle Ranch typically encompasses broader responsibilities like ranch maintenance and operations, while a Cattle Herdsman focuses mainly on cattle management and health. The roles often overlap, but the ranch role may include additional duties related to the overall ranch environment.

More about Working Cattle Ranch jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California? The most popular types of Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California? For Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Working Cattle Ranch jobs in California are:
Working Cattle Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Cattle Ranch job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,700 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Cattle Clerk (24566)

Cattle Clerk (24566)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Coalinga, CA • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Cattle Clerk will establish and implement a working knowledge of animal handling and behavior to ensure the success of daily operations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Drafts and maintains cattle shipment schedule; must be able to identify where and how cattle are housed at all times.
  • Weigh or measure cattle to maintain relevant records using scales and certifications.
  • Maintains files and filing systems in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
  • Assists in the shipment of fat cattle by opening gates, scheduling pick-ups, driving and directing cattle to shipping areas for weighing, counting cattle, separating strays, and checking withdrawals.
  • Ensures no animal leaves the facility without meeting applicable withdrawals by maintaining thorough and accurate records. And ensure that cattle are shipped with appropriate paperwork.
  • Transfers information from reports, files, and other documents into prepared master sheets, ledgers, journals, and recordkeeping systems.
  • Inspects incoming loads of cattle for miscounts, sick animals, or other inconsistencies between received load and daily spread report; checks in cattle; records load information to create paperwork for personnel to use.
  • Formulates Excel spreadsheets to ensure daily operations are met for shipping fat cattle, daily death sheets, and pen rider performance.
  • Ensures hospital quality control using Best Management Practices (BMPs) or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Knowledge of working cattle or general understanding (branding moves, unloading trucks, weighing cattle).
  • Maintain record keeping, providing statistics on general feedyard performance (feed, manure, milling, water usage, etc.)
  • Records statistics on AIP death loss to help the yard manage herd health.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Harris Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
Harris Feeding Company participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • knowledge of or ability to quickly learn any applicable departmental or organizational rules and regulations.
  • Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a higher level is preferred.
  • Three to five years of experience in a related field is required.

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.

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