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Working Ranch Jobs in Santa Fe, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Working Ranch information

See Santa Fe, NM salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do working ranch jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for working ranch in Santa Fe, NM is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.13 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 Santa Fe, NM are hiring for Working Ranch jobs?

Cities near Santa Fe, NM with the most Working Ranch job openings:

Working Ranch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working Ranch job openings in Santa Fe, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,509 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Rehab Specialist - Private 3 Horse Ranch

Santa Fe, NM

EquiStaff
See more jobs at EquiStaffexternal

$65/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the owner and veterinary team to develop and implement rehab and maintenance plans for the horses.

  • Perform daily horse care tasks including feeding, grooming, stall cleaning, checking feet, and monitoring for health issues.

  • Exercise horses in the arena and on trails, and provide therapeutic care using various modalities as appropriate.

Job description

About the Facility 
Situated on ~300 acres outside of the center of Santa Fe, NM, this beautiful private ranch is complete with a 10 stall barn, outdoor riding arena, and 8 miles worth of private trails for the resident horses and their humans to enjoy! Providing a forever home for the family's 3 horses, this ranch will soon grow to include cattle grazing on the pasture land and a small armada of donkeys to protect them (NOT under the equine staff's care!). Located less than 20min from the heart of Santa Fe, this property provides a unique blend of tranquil ranch living but convenient access to civilization!

Job Description 
We are looking for a compassionate, experienced equestrian to join this facility as the Rehab Specialist of the owner's 3 forever horses. Aged in their early teens, the horses here have been trained up under Parelli principals, and do not have any competition goals or rigorous demands. Though after a particularly trying 2025, the team is in need of someone well versed in performance therapies and rehab work to strengthen the team and better the lives of the horses on-site. This person will be responsible for collaborating closely with the existing team and veterinarians to devise a rehab and ongoing maintenance plan for the horses, along with maintaining the highest standards of care alongside the rest of the team. The owner is open to exploring any devices/therapeutic modalities that this individual may be experienced with, including PEMF, Laser, Cryotherapy, myofascial release, training with a Pessoa rig, and more. With a typical work schedule running 7:30am-4:00pm just 4 days per week, there are generally at least 2 individuals working in the barn at all times. The ideal individual will have an easygoing personality and will be willing to collaborate closely with the existing team, but be accustomed to providing meticulous care for the horses at all times. This person must be well experienced in western riding principals, and have a gentle, horses-first mentality. 
There is a team of maintenance professionals who handle all facility upkeep, fence fixing, etc - and the cattle and donkeys are not the responsibility of the equine care team beyond basic oversight in the event of an emergency. This is truly a position centered around providing the best possible care for the 3 horses on-site for the duration of their lifetimes!

This is NOT a leadership position. There will be no training or management of additional staff, and applicants MUST be willing to observe and adhere to the existing structures and quiet nature of the team here.

Schedule will be Sunday/Monday/Tuesday with the 4th day either Saturday or Wednesday, with a reasonable degree of flexibility depending on other staff. Ideally this position will begin Labor Day weekend.

Job Duties
- Feed horses - 2x/day for gain and 4x/day for hay
- Bring horses to/from turnout
- Stall Cleaning Daily
- Check horses' feet before and after turnout and working
- Groom and provide care for horses, including daily use of therapeutic technologies 
- Collaborate closely with Owner and Veterinary team to devise rehab and maintenance plan for the horses
- Exercise horses both in the arena and on the trails on schedule in collaboration with the Barn Manager, Trainer and Owner ~1hr per ride, 2 horses per day
- Monitor for any signs of illness, injury, or various other equine ailments - and treat accordingly

*Ability to perform night check duties for additional income is possible!

Job Requirements 
- Minimum 5 years professional working experience in an established equestrian program
- Minimum 2 years rehab experience in an established program
- Minimum 8 years riding experience, preferably with Western riding styles 
        *Familiarity with Parelli training methods is preferred but not required
- Must be comfortable signing a 1 year commitment in this role
- Must be capable of driving a 3 horse gooseneck trailer in event of emergency
- Must be willing to follow detailed care instructions and uphold owner's standards of horsecare at all times
- Must be able to bandage and provide basic first aide for horses
- Easygoing, collaborative teamwork attitude
- Willing to do all aspects of horse care 
- Possess a strong attention to detail and high care standards for horses
- Must be a team player and willing to modify schedule as needed to cover vacations/sick days/etc
*Bonus if familiar with rehab modalities - i.e. massage, laser, PEMF, theraplate, etc
*Bonus is comfortable and able to give IV/IM injections

Benefits
- $65/hr with an average 35hour work week for an expected base comp totaling around $115,000
- 50% employer paid health insurance
- Relocation Stipend Available - amount depending on individual scenario
- 4 day work week 
- 1hr paid lunch daily
- Ability to make additional income with night check responsibilities

Housing
Applicants must be willing to source their own housing within 45min of the ranch
On average, a newly built/high quality rental can be found for about $1000/mo in the local area - but prices can be as low as $800/mo. A quality and reliable vehicle is required for this opportunity