What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Ranch Hand position at Poway Double J Ranch?
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and dependable Lead Ranch Hand to help oversee daily operations at our 75-horse boarding facility. This position is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of horse care, facility cleanliness, and daily ranch operations.
The Lead Ranch Hand is a hands-on leader who sets the standard for quality, trains and supports other ranch staff, identifies problems before they become issues, and helps maintain a safe, organized, and professional environment for horses, boarders, and employees.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working with horses, takes pride in excellent ranch management, and wants to be part of a growing equestrian operation.
Duties
- Feed approximately 75 horses according to established schedules and procedures
- Conduct daily horse observations and report concerns promptly
- Monitor horse condition, behavior, and general well-being
- Assist with basic horse care needs as directed
Barn Operations
- Conduct and oversee daily stall cleaning to high standards
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized barn areas
- Inspect automatic water systems and identify issues
- Ensure feed areas and workspaces remain clean and efficient
Leadership & Team Support
- Serve as the daily point person for ranch hand operations
- Help train and mentor ranch employees
- Maintain consistency in ranch procedures and expectations
- Communicate operational issues to management
Facility Maintenance
- Coordinate weekday maintenance priorities
- Assist with arena maintenance, fencing, corral repairs, and property upkeep
Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas
- Conduct daily horse observations and report concerns promptly
- Monitor horse condition, behavior, and general well-being
- Assist with basic horse care needs as directed
Qualifications
- 3 years of professional horse/ranch experience preferred with strong leadership abilities
- Understanding of daily horse care and barn operations
- Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated
- Ability to work independently and manage priorities
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to perform heavy lifting safely while maintaining physical stamina for outdoor work environments
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to safely operate ranch equipment
- Valid driver’s license preferred
- Familiarity with safety standards in production environments to promote a safe workplace culture
- Hands-on experience with equipment maintenance, repair & operations (MRO), power tools, hand tools, and manual handling procedures
- Excellent communication skills to coordinate team efforts effectively in a fast-paced setting.
Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23 - $27