Ranch Hand

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa•Des Moines, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Do you thrive in hands-on environments, love working with animals, and believe every rescue deserves expert care and patience? As a Second Chance Ranch Assistant at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), you’ll play a critical role in supporting the care, rehabilitation, and placement of ranch animals while helping maintain a safe, welcoming, and mission-driven ranch environment. This role is ideal for someone who is hardworking, adaptable, and passionate about animal welfare. You’ll balance daily animal care and facility responsibilities out at the ranch with collaboration across departments, volunteer support, and community engagement; all while helping ranch animals on their journey toward adoption or placement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
At least one year of professional animal care experience
Two years of customer service experience
Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Confident handling challenging situations with professionalism and care
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment
Ability to adapt while staying focused and dependable
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
Working knowledge of ranch equipment, including trucks, trailers, tractors, and related machinery
Comfortable using basic computer systems, Microsoft Office
Performing basic math with accuracy
Passion for helping animals heal, grow, and find their next opportunity

Nice To Haves

Experience with equine care is preferred

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for all ranch animals, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, behavioral rehabilitation, and training.
Support veterinarians during exams, treatments, procedures, and vaccinations.
Assist with adoptions, foster placements, transfers, and animal transport in collaboration with other ARL departments, including transporting ranch animals as needed.
Operate and maintain ranch equipment such as tractors, trucks with horse trailers, and other heavy machinery to support daily operations.
Enter and maintain animal data, ensuring information is complete and up to date.
Help train and support volunteers at the ranch, fostering a positive and educational volunteer experience that aligns with departmental goals.
Cultivate positive relationships through professional, courteous, and educational interactions with the public, volunteers, and staff.
Actively promote ARL’s mission, services, programs, and events.
Maintain a safe work environment by following OSHA guidelines and modeling best safety practices.
Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support ranch operations.