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What does a Ranch Hand do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A ranch hand is a person who works on a ranch, typically doing outdoor work such as herding cattle, fixing fences, and maintaining the property.

Ranch Hand job duties include:

  • Maintaining fences and other ranch infrastructure
  • Herding and caring for livestock
  • Repairing and maintaining farm equipment
  • Planting and harvesting crops
  • Clearing brush and performing other land maintenance tasks
  • Checking water sources and repairing irrigation systems
  • Assisting with the birth of calves and lambs
  • Providing medical care to sick or injured animals
  • Helping out during branding and roundup activities
  • Performing general maintenance and cleaning tasks around the ranch

Ranch Hand Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for a Ranch Hand, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some Ranch Hands may choose to pursue certification through an agricultural program or ranch management program. Many Ranch Hands have previous experience working on a farm or ranch, but it is not required.

Ranch Hand Skills

  • Hardworking
  • Trustworthy
  • Punctual
  • Reliable
  • Good with animals
  • Good with people
  • Can work long hours
  • Physically fit
  • Can lift heavy objects
  • Has own transportation
  • Can work in all weather conditions

Related: Top Ranch Hand Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Ranch Hand

There are a few things you need to do if you want to become a Ranch Hand. First, you need to have some experience working with livestock. This can be gained by working on a farm, or even just helping out a friend or neighbor who has livestock. You should also be comfortable around horses, as you will be spending a lot of time around them while working on a ranch. It is also helpful if you have some experience with basic maintenance and repairs, as Ranch Hands are often responsible for keeping the ranch property in good condition. Finally, it is important that you are able to work long hours and handle physical labor, as Ranch Hands typically work long days and often have to do tasks that require a lot of physical strength. If you can meet all of these requirements, then you should be well on your way to becoming a Ranch Hand.

Related: Ranch Hand Resume Example

Related: Ranch Hand Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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