CA · On-site
$50K/yr
Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...
CA · On-site
$50K/yr
Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included ... cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management ...
Working Cattle Ranch information
See California salary details
$9.96 - $11.24
3% of jobs
$11.24 - $12.51
9% of jobs
$12.51 - $13.78
7% of jobs
$14.32 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.78 - $15.05
14% of jobs
$15.05 - $16.33
9% of jobs
The median wage is $17.05 / hr.
$16.33 - $17.60
15% of jobs
$17.60 - $18.87
15% of jobs
$19.24 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$18.87 - $20.14
13% of jobs
$20.14 - $21.42
5% of jobs
$21.42 - $22.69
6% of jobs
$22.69 - $23.96
4% of jobs
$9
$17
$23
How much do working cattle ranch jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 20, 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 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 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 is the difference between Working Cattle Ranch vs Cattle Herdsman?
| Aspect | Working Cattle Ranch | Cattle Herdsman |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Experience in ranch work, possibly certifications in livestock management | Experience in cattle care, sometimes certifications in animal husbandry |
| Work Environment | Ranch settings, outdoor, physically demanding | Outdoor, primarily tending to cattle in pastures |
| Employer & Industry | Ranch owners, agricultural industry | Farmers, 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.
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.
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:
Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)CA • On-site
$50K/yr
Other
Posted 19 days ago
Job description
If selected as a Mounted Patrol Inspector (also known as a Tick Rider), you will make unassisted horseback patrols through rough and remote terrain in an assigned sector along the United States-Mexico border.
This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications for 90 days with eligible applicants being referred as vacancies occur. The first cut-off for applications is June 15.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off date following your application submission (see Additional Information for dates), including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
This Open Continuous Announcement allows acceptance of applications for 90 days with eligible applicants being referred as vacancies occur. The first cut-off for applications is June 15.Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off date following your application submission (see Additional Information for dates), including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: To be referred for consideration for the Animal Health Technician (Mounted Patrol Inspector), candidates must meet the selective placement factor as described below. This is a minimum qualification requirement. By confirming you meet the selective placement factor you are also acknowledging that you will provide enough detail in your resume to describe your experience performing the full range of activities described in the selective factor.
Applicants must have knowledge, skill and ability to ride horseback sufficient to track, rope, and subdue wild, and/or fractious, unpredictable livestock in rough and remote terrain for the purpose of inspecting, apprehending, and treating, stray, diseased, and/or distressed animals. This work is completed independently.
FOR THE GS-07 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
- Independently working with livestock in a feedlot, farm, or ranch setting, which included experience inspecting the premises for irregularities.
- Interviewing livestock owners and other involved parties to obtain information for investigations and documents findings.
- Reading and interpreting records and reports to determine applicable information and courses of action.
- Monitor the activity of livestock to identify risk, inspects and detects problem areas.
Successful completion of eighteen (18) semester hours of related graduate education obtained from an accredited college or university. Qualifying graduate courses include: agribusiness, agricultural chemistry, agricultural development, agricultural economics, agricultural education, animal breeding, animal genetics, animal health, animal nutrition, animal physiology, animal products, animal reproduction, animal science, animal toxicology, animal welfare, biological and agricultural engineering, beef cattle production, dairy herd management, dairy marketing, equine production, farm management, feeding management, meat science, physiology of lactation, poultry science, ruminant nutrition, swine production, and wildlife and fisheries sciences
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
- You are qualifying for the position based on education.
- You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
- This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER
About USDA Forest Service
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US
Year founded
1905