Experienced Ranch Hand / Operator needed at Private, Homestead-style Ranch in Florida

Private

Email

[email protected]

Location

Lake Placid, FL

Job Type

Full or Part Time

Salary

$28-38/hr

Posted

April 17, 2026

Housing Offered?

No

Experience

2-5 yrs

Sponsoring Work Visas?

No

How to Apply

Via Email

Overview:

Private 20-acre homestead-style ranch in Lake Placid, FL seeking an experienced, capable ranch hand/operator to help run, fix, build, and improve a growing livestock property.

This is a developing, hands-on ranch where systems are actively being built and improved. The goal is to create a well-run, efficient, and sustainable homestead operation over time.

You will work directly with the homeowner and are expected to:

• Know what to do
• Solve problems independently
• Build and improve systems
• Report clearly to the homeowner
• Teach and guide when needed

Schedule & Work Structure:

• Typical start time: 7:00 AM
• 6–8 hour workdays (flexible based on needs)
• 4–5 days per week
• Some weekend availability required (animal care or repair work are priority)

What You’ll Actually Be Doing:

Animal Handling

• Catching and handling horses, donkeys, and cattle
• Example: donkey with halter stuck → safely catch and remove
• Bringing in a horse that won’t come in from pasture
• Moving animals without stress or chaos

Fencing, Gates & Clearing

• Building fence properly (posts, wire, layout, tension)
• Repairing weak or sagging fencing
• Reinforcing areas animals are testing
• Installing and adjusting gates so they function properly
• Clearing weeds, vines, and overgrowth along fence lines

Electric & Temporary Fencing

• Installing and rotating temporary/electric fencing
• Setting up posts, polywire/tape, energizers
• Troubleshooting voltage and grounding issues

Stalls, Barn & Poultry

• Full stall resets (cleaning, leveling, fresh bedding)
• Maintaining clean and organized barn/tack areas
• Cleaning and maintaining poultry coop

Build Projects & Creative Work

• Building:
  • Chicken tractors (mobile coops)
  • Shelters/run-in structures
  • Feed storage setups
  • Compost/manure systems
• Taking initiative on needed ranch improvements
• Ad Hoc Projects

Ground, Pasture & Land Management

• Fixing mud, drainage, and high-traffic problem areas
• Identifying and removing toxic weeds
• Supporting pasture rotation and land improvement
• Clearing overgrowth impacting fencing or grazing

Equipment & Physical Work

• Operating side-by-side and ranch equipment
• Tractor experience is a strong plus (loader, attachments, grading, hauling)
• General labor: digging, hauling, leveling, repairs

Communication & Reporting:

• Provide daily updates to homeowner including:
  • Completed work
  • Issues identified
  • Recommended next steps
  • Supplies needed
• Communicate problems early
• Work with vendors, accept deliveries, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly
• Comfortable working outdoors in heat, humidity, rain, and uneven terrain
• Able to stand/walk for extended periods
• Comfortable handling large animals safely

Safety Expectations:

• Follow safe practices around livestock and equipment
• Maintain awareness of surroundings at all times
• Use appropriate safety precautions when needed
• No reckless or unsafe behavior

Requirements:

• Prior ranch, farm, construction, or similar hands-on experience preferred
• Experience with livestock handling strongly preferred
• Fencing and/or building experience preferred
• Electric fencing experience is a plus
• Tractor experience is a strong plus
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be dependable and punctual
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• References may be requested

Compensation:

• $28-$38/hour based on experience and capability
• Higher pay for candidates with fencing, building, and equipment experience
• Paid working interview may be required

Housing:

• No housing provided

Employment Terms:

• This is an at-will position, meaning either party may terminate employment at any time

Final Note:

This is a 20-acre private homestead-style ranch that is actively growing and being built out.

We are looking for someone who can handle animals, maintain land, build systems, and take ownership of the work.

TO APPLY:

Forward cover letter & resume to our email address.

Email
[email protected]

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Florida Ranch Jobs

Posted In
Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Barn Hand / Horse Groom Jobs, Cattle Ranch Jobs, Equine Jobs, Groundskeeping / Land Management Jobs, Horse Care / Training Jobs, Private Ranch Jobs, Ranch Foreman Jobs, Ranch Hand Jobs, Ranch Handyman / Maintenance Jobs