Assistant Ranch Supervisor

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an experienced and dependable Second Chance Ranch Assistant Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our Second Chance Ranch program. This role combines hands-on animal care, team leadership, facility oversight, program coordination, and collaboration across the organization. This is a great opportunity for someone with animal care, ranch, barn, livestock, equine, and supervisory or team leadership experience who enjoys working directly with animals while also helping coach a team, support operations, and keep a busy program running smoothly in alignment with the ARL’s mission. The ARL’s Second Chance Ranch provides care, rehabilitation, placement, and support for horses and other barn animals in need. The program requires strong animal-handling skills, thoughtful facility management, teamwork, and a commitment to helping animals receive the care and second chance they deserve.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one year of professional animal-care experience required.
• At least one year of leadership, supervisory, lead, or team coordination experience required.
• Experience with horses, livestock, ranch animals, or barn operations required.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions and oversee daily operations independently when needed.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced, physical, and sometimes stressful environment.
• Comfort working with employees, volunteers, clients, donors, and community partners.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, and ability to learn Shelter Buddy and other systems.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience training employees, creating schedules, coaching staff, or addressing performance concerns preferred.
• Working knowledge of trucks, trailers, tractors, and ranch or barn equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily ranch operations, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, rehabilitation, training, and animal handling.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, training, and feedback to Second Chance Ranch team members.
• Serve as a point of contact for staff questions, animal-care decisions, operational concerns, and urgent situations.
• Oversee ranch operations in the absence of the Second Chance Ranch Supervisor.
• Assist with appropriate housing, handling, and care practices for horses and other barn animals.
• Help maintain the barn, arena, paddocks, turnouts, equipment, and other ranch areas.
• Coordinate scheduling, staffing coverage, onboarding, performance management, and employee support.
• Coordinate adoptions, fosters, transfers, rescues, and transportation in partnership with other ARL departments.
• Maintain accurate animal records and support program reporting, training materials, procedures, and care standards.
• Partner with volunteers and other teams to support events, clinics, donor engagement, and public communications.
• Assist veterinarians with exams and ensure protocols are followed in alignment with veterinarian recommendations and ARL standards.
• Promote a safe work environment by following OSHA requirements, animal-handling practices, and ARL safety procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED