Ranch Hand – Montana Cattle Operation

Hansen Agri-PLACEMENT is assisting a progressive Montana cattle operation in hiring a Ranch Hand. This is a long-term opportunity for an individual who enjoys working with livestock, horses, and equipment while being part of a team-oriented ranch program.

This role requires strong horsemanship and livestock handling skills, including the ability to ride and rope when needed. However, this is a well-rounded ranch position, and all employees are expected to be versatile, help where needed, and contribute across the entire ranch operation.

The employer values individuals who bring experience, humility, reliability, and a strong work ethic. They are seeking someone who shows up on time, takes direction well, and works as part of the ranch program rather than trying to change it.

Responsibilities

- Handle and care for cattle in a large Western ranch operation
- Ride horses regularly for gathering, sorting, and general ranch work
- Utilize outside roping skills when needed for cattle handling
- Assist in starting and riding young horses when appropriate
- Participate in cattle work, including calving, branding, processing, and shipping
- Operate ranch equipment, including tractors, hay equipment, feed wagons, and other machinery
- Assist with feeding cattle during the winter months
- Support hay production activities, including cutting, baling, and moving hay
- Assist with irrigation and general ranch maintenance
- Maintain equipment and facilities, and perform general ranch upkeep
- Work independently while contributing to a team-oriented ranch crew
- Handle cattle using low-stress stockmanship practices that prioritize calm livestock movement and herd health

Qualifications

- Strong horsemanship skills required
- Ability to ride confidently and handle cattle effectively from horseback
- Outside roping skills preferred
- Experience riding and handling young horses is a plus
- Previous ranch or livestock experience preferred
- Ability to operate ranch equipment safely and responsibly
- Dependable, hardworking, and able to follow directions
- Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to all aspects of the ranch
- Experience with low-stress livestock handling practices strongly preferred

Low Stress Livestock Handling

This ranch places a strong emphasis on low-stress stockmanship. Cattle are handled quietly and intentionally with the goal of keeping animals calm and minimizing pressure.

Individuals who prefer pushing cattle aggressively, running livestock hard, or relying heavily on dogs to move cattle will not be a good fit for this program. The ranch strives to keep cortisol levels low in the herd, and employees are expected to respect and follow these handling principles.

Important: This ranch is not looking for prima donna cowboys, buckaroos, or horse trainers who insist on doing things their own way. The ideal candidate is experienced, humble, dependable, and willing to work within the ranch’s established program.

About the Ranch

This well-established Western Montana ranch runs approximately 2,000 bred cows and 700 heifers, supported by extensive hay ground. The ranch operates with well-maintained equipment and modern facilities while maintaining a strong team environment focused on efficiency and livestock care.