is a private family household and working ranch in Castle Rock, Colorado. We operate at the intersection of a full-time family home and an active ranch. Our days are purposeful, dynamic, and deeply operational. We move quickly, make decisive calls, and we expect excellence. Our ranch is home to a growing mix of animals, all of which require daily attention, maintenance, and hands-on support. If you are someone who finds fulfillment in physical work, caring for animals, and being outdoors in all seasons, you'll feel right at home here.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is a full-time, on-site Ranch Hand position based in Castle Rock, CO. You will work closely with the owner, Isabel, to support the daily operations of the ranch, with a strong focus on animal care, property upkeep, and general maintenance. This is a physical, early-morning role that requires consistency, accountability, and a willingness to jump in wherever needed.
Daily Responsibilities:
Feeding, watering, monitoring, and maintaining clean environments for all animals are core to your role.
Dog Care:
Supervise group play, keep dogs safe, engaged, and hydrated, keep the play area clean, and report any concerns to leadership right away.
Stall & Pasture Maintenance:
Muck stalls, clean pastures, and ensure all animal living spaces are sanitary, safe, and well-maintained.
Ranch Repairs & Upkeep:
Assist with fixing fencing, maintaining stalls and barn structures, and addressing general wear and tear across the property.
Seasonal & Specialized Support:
You may assist with animal-specific needs, including supporting births (e.g., donkeys expected this summer/fall) and adapting care routines based on seasonal changes.
ANIMALS ON PROPERTY
Dogs Highland cows (including calves) Donkeys Mini horses Kunekune pigs Goats Chickens and ducks
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Within 15 Days Learn daily routines, feeding schedules, and property layout Become familiar with each animal group and their care needs Begin supporting stall cleaning, pasture maintenance, and basic repairs Within 30 Days Independently manage daily feeding, mucking, and cleaning responsibilities Identify and address basic maintenance needs (fencing, stalls, etc.) Demonstrate reliability with early mornings and physical workload Within 45 Days Operate as a self-directed and dependable member of the ranch team Proactively identify issues related to animal care or property upkeep Contribute to a consistently clean, safe, and well-functioning ranch environment
NEED TO HAVE
Experience:
Prior ranch, farm, or hands-on animal care experience strongly preferred
Physical Capability:
Ability to perform manual labor daily (lifting, bending, working on feet for extended periods)
Outdoor Comfort:
Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
Animal Awareness:
Basic understanding of animal behavior and comfort working around multiple species
Dog Literacy:
Strong knowledge of dog body language, basic animal care, and canine behavior. Ability to recognize and respond to stress, conflict, and signs of distress.
Emergency Awareness:
Recognition of serious health emergencies (gastric dilatation-volvulus, choking, injury, heat stress) and immediate reporting protocol.
Handiness:
Comfortable with basic repairs (fencing, stalls, general maintenance)
Work Ethic:
Self-directed, reliable, and takes initiative without constant oversight
Communication:
Clear and proactive in raising issues or concerns
NICE TO HAVE
Livestock Experience:
Hands-on work with cows, goats, pigs, or horses.
Birthing and Young Animal Care:
Exposure to birthing support or caring for young animals.
Training Knowledge:
Familiarity with positive reinforcement and dog training principles.
Maintenance Skills:
General maintenance or handyperson experience.
Working Ranch Background:
Experience on a multi-animal or working ranch.
SCHEDULE + COMPENSATION
Hours:
Full-time, W-2 ~40 hours per week
Schedule:
Early morning start required + rotating weekends (approximately every 3rd weekend)
Location:
On-site in
Castle Rock, CO Compensation:
Starting at $30/hour, opportunity for review after 6 months
Pay:
From $30.00 per hour Application Question(s): Are you available to work a schedule that includes rotating weekends?
