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Working Cattle Ranch Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Cattle Manager

Wray, CO · On-site

Manages the movement of cattle from the introduction onto the feed yard, all the way through, and ... This is successfully done by coordinating activities of workers who are engaged in the care and ...

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Cattle Manager

Yuma, CO

Manages the movement of cattle from the introduction onto the feed yard, all the way through, and ... This is successfully done by coordinating activities of workers who are engaged in the care and ...

Halter

Product Specialist - Agriculture USA

Boulder, CO · On-site

Spending time on ranch with customers to figure out what we need to improve, fix, or build next to ... cattle. * Working with strategic customers to make sure they are fully utilizing the product and ...

Halter

Customer Onboarding Specialist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$68K - $109K/yr

Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes, no ... Every ranch is different, and you'll tailor each deployment to help producers build confidence with ...

Halter

Head of Sales (West)

Boulder, CO · On-site

$300K - $325K/yr

Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes, no ... You might find yourself juggling time on ranch with customers, coaching and developing your team ...

All JobsWorking Cattle Ranch JobsWorking Cattle Ranch Jobs in Colorado

Working Cattle Ranch information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do working cattle ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for working cattle ranch in Colorado is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying cattle livestock job?

The highest paying cattle livestock jobs are typically ranch managers or herd supervisors, especially those overseeing large operations or specialized breeding programs. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes advanced certifications, and they can offer salaries exceeding $70,000 annually depending on the size and location of the ranch.

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.

Do cattle ranches make good money?

Working as a cattle rancher can provide a steady income, but profitability depends on factors such as herd size, market prices, land costs, and operational efficiency. Many ranchers supplement income through additional agricultural activities or value-added products. Overall, income levels vary widely and are often influenced by experience and management skills.

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 qualifications do I need to work on a ranch?

Working on a cattle ranch typically requires physical fitness, basic animal handling skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Prior experience with livestock, knowledge of ranch equipment, and a valid driver's license are often preferred; formal education is usually not required but can be beneficial.

How much do you make working on a cattle ranch?

Salaries for working on a cattle ranch vary based on experience, location, and job responsibilities, but typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 annually. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced ranch hands or managers can earn higher wages and benefits. Many ranch workers also receive room and board as part of their compensation.

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.

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 Colorado? The most popular types of Working Cattle Ranch jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Working Cattle Ranch jobs in Colorado? For Working Cattle Ranch jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Working Cattle Ranch jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Working Cattle Ranch jobs in Colorado are:
Working Cattle Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Cattle Ranch job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,037 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Cattle Manager

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Wray, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description


Overview: Manages the movement of cattle from the introduction onto the feed yard, all the way through, and including their shipment out of the feed yard, maximizing cattle performance and profitability. This is successfully done by coordinating activities of workers who are engaged in the care and movement of livestock in the feed yard.
Location: Eckley, CO
Essential functions
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • Monitor expected delivery list and prepare receiving list.
  • Manage other supervisors who oversee employees including Receivers, Doctors, Penriders, and Processors. This includes the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these departments.
  • Directs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and procedures.
  • Interviews and train new employees through training, then plans, assigns, directs work.
  • Oversee preparation and insure completion of all receiving records.
  • Manage, lead, and develop all Pen-Riders, Animal Health Crew, Quality Control, and Processing Crew.
  • Oversee itemized animal health billing process for customer billings.
  • Ensure animals are weighed prior to shipping and shipping information is complete.
  • Communicate with Animal Health and Feed Manager with issues concerning animal health and feeding.
  • Project capital expenditures for animal health and assists in the preparation and maintenance of the annual budget.
  • Develops department budget, manages expenses and supplies by studying historical data, anticipating needs and researching costs, designing inventory systems, determining inventory levels required and approving orders.
  • Evaluates personnel for job performance and bonus, as well as rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Ensure monthly housekeeping inspections.
  • Oversee preparation of non-conformance logs and reports on cattle received.
  • Ensure compliance with all ISO/HACCP and OSHA/Safety procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Competencies
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills are required.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to perform basic math functions and calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, etc.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.
  • Display consistent skills, behaviors, and attitudes congruent with the values and strategies of Green Plains Cattle Company; model high performing level of motivation, performance and personal integrity that others strive to emulate; match actions and words.
  • Understand the organization, strategic objectives, structure; work effectively within the organization to achieve results; work continuously to make linkages and build networks within the organization.
  • Know customers in the market territory; keep up to date on key competitors; understand and respond to the needs and expectations of relevant customer segments; establish effective working relationships with customers to gain respect and loyalty; identify opportunities presented by changes and shifts in the marketplace.
  • Match resources, processes, and management style to the demands of the situation; preserve and develop productive capacity while accomplishing immediate and long-term objectives, concentrating on core business.
  • Monitor daily implementation of activities, projects, policies and procedures; notice errors and gaps; keep detailed and accurate records; process paperwork promptly and follow up on important details.
  • Understand the financial implications of various actions; make effective use of various sources of financial information (e.g., operating reports, spreadsheets, etc.) establish and meet realistic budget goals based on sound cost analysis; take continuous action to control costs while maintaining high quality performance.
  • Meet or exceed technical/functional expectations.
  • Provide consistent, clear work direction relative to current priorities; delegate and assign work based on employee skill, experience and development needs; monitor work progress against goals; manage conflicting requirements; remove obstacles; instill a sense of urgency relative to task.
  • Communicate in an open, straight forward, honest and respectful style; check for message clarity; understand the effect the communication style has on others, including nonverbal communications; plan for and adapt to the wide variety of communication preferences and needs of others.
  • Develop an understanding of and assesses group dynamics; take action to enhance the productivity and collaboration among subordinates and peers; create an environment that encourages and reinforces teamwork.
  • Assume responsibility for necessary actions or problems resolution; appropriately initiate behavior on projects or initiatives without requiring explicit management direction or guidance; know when management involvement is required and seek it out.
  • Keep personal feelings in check; remain impartial; gather relevant data before taking action.
  • Deal with others in an honest, ethical and fair manner; act in ways that are consistent with beliefs: openly address conflicts when they arise; provide clear and appropriate reasons for decisions.
Supervisory responsibilities
  • Oversee employees in the Cattle Department
Work environment
  • Regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts airborne particles and vibration
  • Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions
  • The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud
Physical demands
  • Regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • Frequently required to talk or hear.
  • Required to climb and balance
  • Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. 
Travel required
  •  None 
Required education and experience
  • College Degree or 2-5 years industry experience and a complete knowledge of the cattle feeding industry.
  • Previous supervisory or management experience.
  • A good understanding of OSHA/HACCP guidelines is preferred as well as an understanding of a cattle accounting system.
  • Animal husbandry skills, knowledge of cattle breeds and characteristics.
  • Strong MS Office experience and proficiency with developing and using spreadsheets and/or databases.
  • Valid driver license.
Competitive compensation and benefits including:
  • 401K Company Match
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off(PTO)
Work authorization/security clearance requirements
Cobalt Cattle Company participates in E-Verify. You must be authorized to work in the United States.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Cobalt Cattle Company, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer
Note: Specific statements in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be an all-inclusive explanation of work to be performed.  They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.  Nothing in this document restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.  Employees are expected to perform any and all duties as assigned to the levels expected by management.  This job requires regular and predictable attendance. The Employee’s signature below is only an acknowledgment of receipt and understanding of the job description and in no way alters the Employee’s “at will” employment, and neither implies nor constitutes a contract of employment for a definite period of time.

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