What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ranch Hand / Animal Care Specialist position at Rancho Del Pacifico?
Part-Time Ranch Hand / Animal Care Specialist
Rancho Del Pacifico is an equine- and animal-assisted clinical care ranch providing mental health services to youth, adults, and families. Our horses, goats, and other resident animals are an important part of the therapeutic environment we provide.
We are seeking a dependable, hardworking, and experienced Part-Time Ranch Hand / Animal Care Specialist to assist with daily animal care and maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of our animal-care areas.
We operate two properties located approximately three miles apart in South Chandler and South Gilbert. Together, the properties house approximately 17–20 horses, along with goats, chickens, and other resident animals. Applicants must have reliable transportation and be comfortable working at either location.
Primary Responsibilities
- Open or close the ranch and complete assigned animal-care routines
- Provide daily care for approximately 17–20 horses across both properties
- Feed horses, goats, chickens, and other animals according to written instructions
- Clean, refill, and inspect water buckets and troughs
- Muck and rake stalls, pastures, pens, and barnyard areas
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized animal-care areas
- Observe animals for changes in behavior, appetite, movement, or general condition and promptly report concerns
- Carefully follow individual feeding, medication, turnout, and safety instructions
- Properly store tools, feed, and ranch equipment after use
- Complete assigned tasks thoroughly and communicate when repairs or additional supplies are needed
Required Qualifications
- Previous hands-on experience caring for and safely working around horses
- Familiarity with goats and other farm animals
- Ability to safely and efficiently care for multiple horses during a shift
- Ability to recognize basic animal behavior and maintain safe boundaries
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently
- Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions
- Strong attention to cleanliness, safety, and animal welfare
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in Arizona weather
- Ability to lift and carry feed bags, hay, water buckets, tools, and other ranch supplies
- Reliable transportation between both ranch locations
- Willingness to work weekends and holidays as scheduled
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
Preferred Qualifications
- At least one year of equine or professional ranch-care experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
Because Rancho Del Pacifico is a clinical care setting, the selected candidate must act professionally and respectfully around clients, families, clinicians, staff, and volunteers. Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries is essential.
Position Details
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18 per hour
Expected Hours: 12–20 hours per week
Schedule: Morning and/or evening shifts, weekends, and some holidays
Work Locations: South Chandler and South Gilbert, Arizona
Work Setting: In person and outdoors
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18