How to Become a Ranch Hand

A ranch hand is a jack-of-all trades. Without skilled hands, no ranch would be able to function. A ranch hand's work includes maintaining the daily operation of the ranch and can entail different duties from one day to the next.

Instructions

1. Gain agricultural experience, either by working on a ranch or getting a formal education in agriculture and animal husbandry. You must be comfortable and familiar with horses and cattle to get a job as a ranch hand. You should also know how to perform general ranch and corral maintenance.

2. Get a membership with Ranch Work to more easily find a job. Go to Ranch Work's website and click "Sign up Now." Select the "Job Seeker" link and fill in the required information. You must check your e-mail and verify your membership with Ranch Work before your membership is complete.

3. Search for jobs. Select the location from the drop-down menu. Choose "Ranch Hand" from the second drop down window. Click on the "Search" button and review the results.

4. Post your resume online with job sites that have ads for ranch hands. This increases your chance of being hired and allows employers to search for you.

5. Apply for positions by submitting your resume or application packet to the ranch manager. Be sure to include your skills and abilities that specifically relate to the ranch. If you want to work on a local ranch, you should call the ranch and schedule a time to meet with the ranch manager.