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Working Ranch Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

California Dairy Farms General Partnership

Be Seen First

Calf Ranch Manager

Hilmar, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Oversees calf ranch programs across multiple facilities, including daily operations from newborn to ... Working Conditions · Spends majority of their working hours in the open air in all temperatures ...

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All JobsWorking Ranch JobsWorking Ranch Jobs in Merced, CA

Working Ranch information

See Merced, CA salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do working ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for working ranch in Merced, CA is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a working ranch?

A working ranch is a type of agricultural property where livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep are raised and managed as part of daily operations. Unlike guest or dude ranches, working ranches focus primarily on traditional ranching activities, including animal husbandry, land management, and crop production. Workers on a ranch may perform tasks such as feeding animals, maintaining fences, repairing equipment, and assisting with breeding or calving. These ranches play a vital role in food production and rural economies. Working ranches can also offer hands-on experiences for those interested in learning about the ranching lifestyle.

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

To thrive as a Working Ranch Hand, you need practical knowledge of livestock care, basic veterinary skills, equipment operation, and general ranch maintenance, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with tools like tractors, fencing equipment, ATVs, and sometimes certification in animal handling or first aid is beneficial. Strong work ethic, adaptability, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help individuals excel in dynamic, outdoor environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, operational efficiency, and safety on a working ranch.

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

Working on a ranch often involves long hours in varying weather conditions, physically demanding tasks, and the need to adapt quickly to unexpected situations such as animal health issues or equipment breakdowns. Teamwork and clear communication are essential for safety and efficiency, as many tasks require coordination with other workers. Building resilience, staying organized, and being proactive about equipment maintenance can help address these challenges. Additionally, seeking mentorship from experienced ranch hands can provide valuable insights and support.

What is the difference between Working Ranch vs Ranch Hand?

AspectWorking RanchRanch Hand
CredentialsExperience with livestock, basic riding skillsSimilar credentials, often includes riding and animal care
Work EnvironmentLarge outdoor ranch, varied terrainSame outdoor setting, hands-on animal and land management
Employer & IndustryRanch owners, agricultural industryRanch owners, agricultural industry
Job FocusGeneral ranch operations, animal care, maintenanceAnimal care, fencing, feeding, general ranch tasks

Both roles involve outdoor work on ranches, focusing on livestock and land management. A Working Ranch typically refers to the entire operation, while a Ranch Hand is a specific position within that environment, performing hands-on tasks essential to daily ranch functions.

How to get started working on a working ranch?

To start working on a working ranch, gain basic knowledge of livestock care, fencing, and equipment operation through hands-on experience or courses. Many ranches prefer applicants with physical fitness, a willingness to learn, and sometimes prior farm work experience; some positions may require a valid driver's license or certifications in safety or animal handling.

What qualifications do I need to work on a working ranch?

Working ranch positions typically require physical fitness, basic animal handling skills, and experience with farm equipment. Prior knowledge of livestock care, fencing, and maintenance can be beneficial, and some roles may require certifications such as CPR or first aid. Experience working outdoors and a willingness to perform manual labor are important qualifications.

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Working Ranch jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Working Ranch job openings:

Working Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Ranch job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $38,200 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Assistant Ranch Drive-On - Sperry Complex (Denair)

Foster Farms

Denair, CA

$18.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Foster Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description About Foster Farms At Foster Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers.Essential Functions Pay Rate: $18.25 per hour(Additional $1.00 per hour for hours worked between 7:00pm and 11:59pm. Additional $2.00 per hour for hours worked between 12:00am-4:59am) Contribute to, assist and relieve the Ranch Manager to oversee all ranch activities and functions of assigned fryer ranch activities and functions. Assist manager to direct the grow out program of fryers through the setup of the ranch, brooding, temperatures, ventilation, mortality, vaccinations, medications, so that conditions are maintained to meet the highest possible level of quality and productivity. Assist in maintaining the ranch facilities and equipment for optimal usage and good appearance: arranging with the maintenance department for needed materials and service calls. Follow, assist and enforce to maintain strict sanitation conditions and disease protection procedures, and being constantly aware of the bird's health. Report any abnormalities to the Manager or Field Supervisor. React responsibly to emergencies that could adversely affect the chickens, day or night. Assist Ranch Manager to manage and control all ranch production costs, to include all labor, fuel, supply, utility, medication, and ranch maintenance costs. Assist with maintaining accurate and complete records pertaining to all ranch activities, i.e., feed, mortality, fuel, production, and energy consumption. Assist Ranch Manager to provide proper training and delegation of duties to all ranch personnel. Adhere to and enforce company safety, animal welfare and disease prevention guidelines. Maintain a high awareness of industrial safety and report any problem(s) directly to Field Supervisor. Qualifications Must have completed the Chicken Grow Out Training Program. Preferably, will have poultry raising experience. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with a minimum of supervision. Must possess supervisory and leadership skills. Must have good mathematical and organizational skills. Must have good written and verbal communication skills (Basic English). Must be able to move and lift 50 pounds. Preferably, will have a mechanical aptitude. Must be willing and able to respond as necessary to alarms and adverse conditions affecting the chickens. Must be able to work as scheduled/needed to include overtime, evenings, holidays and weekends. Must be able to follow and enforce company standards, guidelines and policies on anyone working on his/her ranch complex. Must have the ability to work at other ranches/complexes as needed. Foster Farms ACTION Guiding Principles Accountability: Deliver on commitments. Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team. Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility. Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset. Ownership: Take responsibility for results. Nimble: Operate with speed and agility. Why Join Foster Farms? This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of the ready-to-eat business at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.

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