Ranch Hand

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a dependable and compassionate Second Chance Ranch Assistant to support the daily care, rehabilitation, and placement of horses and other ranch animals at our Second Chance Ranch. This full-time role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on work, is comfortable working outdoors in all seasons, and understands that meaningful animal care requires patience, consistency, teamwork, and attention to detail. You will provide direct animal care, maintain ranch facilities, support veterinary and training needs, assist volunteers, and help create a safe and welcoming environment for animals and people.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of professional animal care experience.
• Experience caring for and handling horses is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with livestock or other barn animals is helpful.
• Previous customer service experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of equine care, behavior, body language, feeding, handling, and basic health monitoring.
• Ability to safely operate trucks, horse trailers, tractors, and related ranch equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Confidence working around large animals with varying levels of training, socialization, and behavior.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, protocols, treatment plans, and established animal-care procedures.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful, unpredictable, or emotionally challenging situations.
• Dependability and willingness to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate recordkeeping.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.
• Ability to perform basic math accurately.
• Commitment to humane care, workplace safety, and the mission of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
• Willingness to do the physical, sometimes messy, and deeply meaningful work required to help animals recover, build trust, and prepare for their next opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for horses and other ranch animals, including feeding, watering, cleaning, turnout, enrichment, grooming, and general monitoring.
• Observe animals for changes in health, behavior, mobility, appetite, or overall condition and promptly communicate concerns.
• Support behavioral rehabilitation and positive reinforcement-based training activities in collaboration with ranch leadership.
• Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, procedures, vaccinations, and ongoing medical care.
• Administer medications and treatments as directed and within established protocols.
• Maintain clean, safe, and appropriate housing for animals, including stalls, barns, paddocks, turnouts, and common areas.
• Assist with adoptions, foster placements, transfers, rescues, animal transport, and other placement-related activities.
• Safely load, unload, and transport ranch animals as needed.
• Operate trucks, horse trailers, tractors, and other ranch equipment in support of daily operations.
• Enter and maintain accurate animal, medical, behavioral, training, and placement records.
• Help onboard, train, guide, and support volunteers working at the ranch.
• Provide volunteers with clear direction while promoting safe and humane animal-handling practices.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with adopters, volunteers, donors, visitors, staff, and members of the public.
• Promote the ARL’s mission, programs, events, and services through positive and educational interactions.
• Follow OSHA requirements, biosecurity practices, animal-handling protocols, and established workplace safety procedures.
• Assist with facility upkeep, supply organization, equipment maintenance, and other operational needs.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support animals and ranch operations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee veterinary benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Pet insurance discount
• Education reimbursement opportunities for approved programs and coursework
• A mission-driven workplace where your work directly supports animals and the people who care about them

What This Job Offers

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