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Working Cattle Ranch Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Customer Support Specialist

Boulder, CO

$19 - $25.50/hr

Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes, no ... and working with teams across Halter to drive the best outcomes on ranch. You show up every day ...

Imagine watching 500 cattle stand up and walk calmly towards their next break? No quad bikes, no ... Working with Product and Product Marketing ahead of releases so the training is ready when the ...

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 ...

Working Cattle Ranch information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do working cattle ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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 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?

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.
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:

Ranch Foreman- Rifle, CO

Redd Summit Ranches LLC

Rifle, CO

$42K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Ranch Foreman - Rifle, CO

Redd Summit Ranches is seeking a motivated, self-starting Assistant Ranch Manager to join our Colorado operation near the Utah border. This is a unique opportunity centered on cattle management using virtual fence collar technology across large acreage rangeland. It is not a traditional "riding cowboy" role, nor is it a desk job, it is a modern ranch management position that blends livestock handling, emerging technology, and field-based problem-solving.

The right candidate must bring solid ranch and livestock experience to the table. Experience with virtual fence collar systems is not required, we will provide full training on the technology, but a proven foundation in cattle handling and ranch work is essential. Salary range is $42,000.00- $52,000.00 annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting virtual fence collar systems on a daily basis

  • Checking country on horseback to assess forage availability, cattle condition, and where to position virtual fence boundaries

  • Assisting with cattle gathering, doctoring, and general livestock handling

  • Monitoring rangeland and water systems across remote country, often working independently

  • Entering production and field data into ranch management software (Agri Webb)

  • Maintaining positive, professional relationships with neighbors, vendors, government permitting agencies and anyone connected to the ranch

  • Assisting with facility and equipment maintenance as needed

  • Participating in branding, weaning, shipping, and other seasonal cattle operations.

  • Supervise employees, and day workers, ensuring compliance with company guidelines.

  • Manage permits with government agencies following grazing rotations, numbers and regulations, record keeping and maintenance.

  • Manage budgets and expenses related to cattle care and ranch operations, ensuring financial targets are met.

  • Formalize communication by using task management software, email, and other technologies for efficient collaboration.

  • Implement and adapt to changes in processes and technologies for improved ranch operations.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

  • Minimum of 5 year's experience handling large herd numbers in big country is preferred but not required

  • Solid horsemanship skills and the ability to handle cattle in a low-stress manner.

  • Knowledge of proper cattle care and common health issues.

  • Basic mechanic skills and equipment operation

  • Fence repair and maintenance as well as new fencing and welding for pipe fences

  • Water maintenance including pipelines, wells and pumps, and drinkers

  • Basic construction knowledge

  • Capable and fit to handle outdoor work in various weather conditions

  • Effective communication skills and a commitment to safety.

  • Understands ranching as a lifestyle

  • Adaptable, reliable, and honest with a strong work ethic.

  • A self-starter with problem-solving skills and strong organizational abilities.

  • Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills to maintain positive relationships with the entire ranch crew.

  • Take initiative to see and do the small things. Show up with a willing and positive attitude

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be required to lift heavy objects up to 100 pounds and complete a variety of projects that require prolonged standing, walking, and lifting. Must be physically able to climb ladders, bend, carry, and complete a variety of tasks of that manner.

Benefits

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees.

  • Competitive salary based on experience. Salary range is $42,000- $52,000 annually

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Long Term Disability

  • Life Insurance

  • 401k

  • Ranch housing

Note

  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

  • The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.