Working Cattle Ranch Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

The qualifications that you need to find a job on a working cattle ranch depend on the position that you wish to pursue. Employers may prefer ranch hands who have skills working with animals or riding horses, but some may train entry-level workers who have the physical abilities to perform manual work. Ranch managers typically need extensive experience or a degree in agriculture, agronomy, or a related subject. A veterinarian position requires a degree in veterinary medicine. You may work as a full-time staff member or consult with different ranches on a contract basis.