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Working Horse Ranch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Outdoor Education Assistant

CA ยท On-site

$676 - $796/wk

Past experience with archery, canoeing, ropes courses, horses, farm animals, reptiles and/or ... Working at Pathfinder Ranch can be a truly valuable and rewarding experience. You will have the ...

Walk In Candidate

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Front Desk

Buena Park, CA ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Team Member

Buena Park, CA

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Front Desk

Buena Park, CA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Team Member

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment * Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Expeditor

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment *Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Expeditor

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment *Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Expeditor

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$16.50/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment *Be available on ALL Holidays and ...

Operating under the names Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center, and ... Demonstrated advanced horsemanship and horse handling experience. * Experience teaching or working ...

... Equine and Ranch Management) with plans to either transfer to a 4-year institution majoring in ... Experience working with all classes of horses * Professional interpersonal skills, pleasant to work ...

Front Desk Host

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

$15 - $20/hr

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment *Be available on ALL Holidays ...

Server

Ventura, CA ยท On-site

... a horse, a range and a campfire, he was looking to share the simple ranch cooking he loved. It ... Be passionate about working in a fast paced, team environment *Be available on ALL Holidays -except ...

Showing results 21-40

Working Horse Ranch information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do working horse ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for working horse 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a working horse ranch hand?

To thrive as a Working Horse Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with horse care, ranch maintenance, and basic animal husbandry, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ranch equipment, fencing tools, and sometimes certifications in animal handling or first aid are typical requirements. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for success. These skills ensure the well-being of animals, efficient ranch operations, and a safe, collaborative environment.

What is a working horse ranch?

A working horse ranch is a facility where horses are bred, trained, and often used for agricultural work, cattle herding, or recreational activities such as trail riding and lessons. These ranches can be family-owned or commercial operations and may also offer boarding, horse care, and equestrian events. The staff typically includes ranch hands, trainers, and caretakers who manage daily horse care and ranch maintenance. Working horse ranches play an important role in rural economies and provide valuable educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.

What is the difference between Working Horse Ranch vs Horse Trainer?

AspectWorking Horse RanchHorse Trainer
CredentialsExperience with ranch operations, riding skillsEquine training certifications, riding experience
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor settings, farm facilitiesTraining arenas, stables, outdoor riding areas
Industry UsageRanching, livestock managementEquine training, riding instruction
Common Search IntentRanch work, livestock careHorse training, riding lessons

While both roles involve working with horses, a Working Horse Ranch focuses on overall ranch operations, livestock management, and outdoor farm work. A Horse Trainer specializes in training horses for riding, performance, or behavior. The roles overlap in horse handling skills but differ in scope and environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a working horse ranch hand?

Working on a horse ranch involves a variety of daily tasks, including feeding and watering horses, cleaning stalls, checking for injuries or health issues, and maintaining ranch facilities. Employees may also assist with exercising and training horses, repairing fences, and helping with breeding or foaling activities, depending on the season. Collaboration with other ranch staff is essential to ensure the well-being of the horses and the smooth operation of the ranch, and there are often opportunities to learn new skills or take on more responsibility over time.
What job categories do people searching Working Horse Ranch jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Working Horse Ranch jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Working Horse Ranch jobs? Cities in California with the most Working Horse Ranch job openings:
Infographic showing various Working Horse Ranch job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,700 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Outdoor Education Assistant

Pathfinder Ranch

CA โ€ข On-site

$676 - $796/wk

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Responsive recruiter
Under the supervision of the Health Services Coordinator and Program Manager, the Program Assistant will facilitate activities, assist with program projects, and provide for the health, wellbeing, and facility needs of programs. The major responsibilities of this position include the following but are not limited to:
General Responsibilities
  • Represent Pathfinder Ranch in a professional and positive manner at all times
  • Follow and uphold all policies and procedures of Pathfinder Ranch
  • Foster an atmosphere of health and wellness for staff, Campers, and user-groups
  • Work independently to make appropriate decisions based on policies and procedures, industry best practices, and in alignment with training
  • Collaborate with Health Services Coordinator and other Program Assistants to recommend updates to policies and procedures based on industry best practices and in alignment with training
  • Complete written incident reports to communicate all significant incidents affecting Pathfinder Ranch property, participants, and programming to the Executive Director
  • Complete required paperwork in a timely and thorough fashion
  • Other duties as assigned

Medical Duties
  • Administer regularly scheduled medications in alignment with accompanying medication orders
  • Administer as needed over-the-counter medications as described in camp's standing orders
  • Administer first-aid as described in camp's standing orders
  • Conduct thorough health assessments, determining a course of action under the guidance of the camp's standing orders, keeping detailed documentation
  • Maintain health center supplies, including staff first-aid kits, notifying the Health Services
  • Coordinator of issues regarding inventory or expiration of medications
  • Ensure a clean and hygienic infirmary environment by performing basic housekeeping tasks
  • Communicate (written log and directly) to the Health Services Coordinator all incidents affecting medication administration, participants' health and wellbeing, and any interventions provided to participants
  • Communicate medical information with staff clearly and in line with HIPAA regulations and company policies as needed

Program Duties
  • Facilitate program including classes, evening programs and meals for client groups and special events, including some weekends and holidays
  • Work independently and cooperatively to update and develop programs and curriculum as assigned
  • Participate in staff training sessions and program in-services
  • Inventory and recommend equipment acquisitions as needed
  • Accurately complete program records, logs, and reports
  • Provide care for animals and the garden, and maintain compost and recycling areas.
  • Address basic facility issues if needed when on call (e.g. cabin temperatures, plumbing issues, etc.)
  • Perform assigned role(s) in the emergency action plan
  • Communicate client' needs to Health Services Coordinator and/or Program Manager, as appropriate
  • Be "on-call" overnight at least 2 nights a week

Job Requirements
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Be onsite and "on call" at least 2 nights a week
  • Hold and maintain the
  • Sincere interest and ability to work with children in the outdoors
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and provide high quality customer service to clients
  • Complete tasks both independently and collaboratively in a timely and accurate manner
  • Communicate and coordinate with participant parents/guardians/ group liaisons
  • Appropriately prioritize tasks and responsibilities based on supervisor expectations, task urgency, and Camper needs
  • Operate camp vehicles, e.g. golf carts

Preferred Qualifications
  • Past experience with archery, canoeing, ropes courses, horses, farm animals, reptiles and/or gardens
  • 1+ years experience working in a camp setting
  • Current Lifeguard or Watercraft Guard certification from a nationally recognized provider
  • Bilingual or multilingual
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field and/or related work experience

Physical Requirements
  • Lift and carry 30 lbs. with reasonable accommodations
  • Work a varied shift schedule in excess of 10 hours per day
  • Traverse several miles per day on steep and uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions
  • Physically assist with relocation of injured/ill clients and/or staff from remote locations

Dates of Work
September 10 - December 11, 2026 (unpaid week off for thanksgiving)
Compensation
  • $676.00 - $796.00 per week
  • Housing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health insurance options for those working multiple season

Compensation: $676.00 - $796.00 per week
Pathfinder Ranch was founded in 1964 to provide an escape from the desert summer heat for the children of Palm Springs. We have since grown to provide Camp, Outdoor Education, and Retreat programs - all while staying true to our mission to connect people to nature and each other.
Working at Pathfinder Ranch can be a truly valuable and rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to shape the lives of children by providing a safe environment for them to learn, grow and have fun. You will also become part of a family that believes if you choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.