Full-Time Ranch Assistant
$20 - $22/hr (40 Hours/Week)
5 days a week at 8 hours
2 days off a week including one weekend day.
Option for own horse:
Basic board included.
Owner must pay hay/ feed/ supplements/ vets.
Location: Wild Horizon Farm (Remote Location) Los Angeles County
About Us
Wild Horizon Farm & Rescue is a private equestrian property, rescue & sanctuary dedicated to top-quality horse care, training, and equine-assisted activities. We run a busy sanctuary and rescue so care of dogs is an important element.
We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented caretaker to join our team full-time.
Position Overview
This is a full-time, paid position (40 hours per week) focused on providing exceptional care for horses, donkeys, dogs, goats, pigs, and chickens.
Important Considerations
- Own vehicle is required – the location is remote, and there is no public transportation.
- The farm is in a quiet, rural setting – this is not a social environment and is ideal for someone who enjoys solitude.
- The position requires someone who can work independently with exceptional attention to detail.
- The owner is not always on-site, so over-communication is essential to ensure all animals receive proper care and any issues are reported immediately.
Responsibilities / tasks
- Horse & Donkey Care: Feeding, watering, turnout, stall and paddock cleaning, grooming, and administering basic first aid.
- Dog Care: Feeding, exercising, monitoring behavior, and maintaining clean dog areas.
- Health Monitoring: Observing animals for signs of illness, lameness, or distress and reporting concerns.
- Facility Maintenance: Keeping barns, pastures, and animal areas clean and organized.
- Emergency Preparedness: Understanding and executing fire evacuation and medical protocols.
- Farm & Equipment Maintenance: Assisting with fence repairs, cleaning, and general upkeep.
- Communication: Providing frequent updates to the owner, including daily check-ins and immediate reports of any issues.
Property & Facility Maintenance:
- Muck Heap Management: Regularly maintaining and managing manure piles.
- Trash Disposal: Keeping the property clean and ensuring waste is properly disposed of.
- Watering Trees & Plants: Ensuring landscaping and essential vegetation receive proper care.
- Weed Whacking & Groundskeeping: Keeping the property well-maintained and free of overgrowth.
- Basic Repairs: Addressing minor fixes around the farm, such as fencing, gates, water lines, and structures.
- Equipment & Barn Upkeep: Keeping tools, equipment, and barns clean and organized.
- Emergency Preparedness: Understanding and executing fire evacuation and medical protocols.
Communication & Reporting:
- Daily Updates: Keeping the owner informed on animal health, property conditions, and any concerns.
- Immediate Reporting: Quickly communicating any emergencies or urgent issues.
In addition to horse and dog care, the caretaker will be responsible for the daily care of donkeys, pigs, goats, and chickens. This includes feeding according to specific dietary needs, ensuring fresh water is always available, and monitoring their health and behavior. Duties also involve cleaning shelters, mucking pens, collecting eggs, and maintaining secure fencing and enclosures. The caretaker must be attentive to signs of illness or injury, provide basic first aid as needed, and communicate any concerns immediately. Experience with farm animals is highly preferred, as each species requires specialized care and handling.
The caretaker will have two fully work-free days per week, including one weekend day, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. However, it is crucial to understand that in the event of an animal emergency, illness, injury, fire, evacuation, or severe weather event (such as flooding or water shortages), the caretaker will be expected to step in and assist, particularly when the owner is not present. These situations are rare but require immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals and property. Due to the nature of farm work, there will be no expectation of overtime pay for these emergency situations, as the welfare of the animals always comes first. The ideal candidate is someone who understands this responsibility and is prepared to respond when needed.
- Additional barn and facility cleaning.
- Extra grooming and animal care.
- Light farm maintenance tasks.
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience handling and caring for horses and dogs.
- Strong understanding of equine and canine behavior, nutrition, and first aid.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work alone without supervision.
- Comfortable working in all weather conditions.
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and perform physical labor.
- Must be highly observant and able to follow detailed care instructions.
- Experience with farm maintenance, farm equipment, or training animals is a plus.
Compensation & Housing Option
- $20 - 22 per hour (40 hours per week) – Paid Position
Additional hours possible and will be offered.
How to Apply
If you meet the experience requirements and are passionate about high-quality animal care, please email [your contact email] with:
- Your resume detailing relevant equine and canine experience.
- A brief introduction about yourself and your housing preference (rent or work trade).
- At least two professional references related to animal care.
Please note we will require a basic background check.
We are looking for a dedicated, independent individual who thrives in a quiet, rural setting and can maintain the highest standards of care for our animals. If this sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you!
This is for an immediate start.
Please email [email protected]
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Job Type: Internship
Pay: From $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
