How to Find Summer Jobs at a Ranch

Hey, partner. There are summer ranch jobs out there and you want one, but don't know how to find one. Dude ranches offer many opportunities for summer employment. Be prepared to stay out of town all summer in sometimes rustic surroundings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask your rancher friends if they know anyone who needs summer help.

2. Watch the classified ads in your local newspaper.

3. Do an Internet search for "Ranch Job" or "Dude Ranch Jobs." Follow the links that result, or use some of the resources listed below.

4. Put up a notice with a picture of yourself at local businesses that cater to ranchers, such as feed, tack and hardware stores and restaurants. Make little pull-off tabs with your phone number at the bottom of the notice for their convenience in calling you. While you are there, check the notices to see if there are any advertising summer jobs.

5. Check listings in the yellow pages of your local phone book under the "Ranches" heading. Call some of the ranches and ask about summer employment. Even if the ranch you call does not have an opening, they may know someone who does.

6. Stop in at your local 4-H Extension Office to inquire about ranches that might be hiring summer help.

7. Keep a positive attitude and convince any prospective employers that you will work hard on their ranch for the summer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you land a summer job on a Dude Ranch, you will need a servant's heart and a willingness to work with people.
• Ranch work is hard and the hours are long, so plan to be in top physical condition before beginning a ranch job.