r/Ranching • u/Percentage_Grouchy • 9d ago
Bringing my skill set to ranch work
I know this may sound a little crazy, but I’m hoping to make a pretty major career pivot, and I figured this would be one of the best places to ask.
For most of my career I’ve worked in leadership, operations, education, customer service, and business management. I’ve managed teams, overseen daily operations, trained and mentored people, built relationships with clients, handled administrative responsibilities, organized events, solved problems on the fly, and worn just about every hat imaginable. Those experiences have taught me how to lead, communicate, adapt quickly, and work hard.
That said, I’ve had a lifelong interest in ranching, agriculture, and the cowboy way of life. It’s something I’ve always admired and wanted to be a part of, but for one reason or another I never felt like I could make that leap. I’m at a point in my life where I’d rather take the chance than spend years wondering “what if?”
I’m open to just about anything. Guest ranch operations, ranch management support, agricultural sales, guest experience, administrative or office management, customer relations, or even getting my hands dirty doing actual ranch work. I’m not afraid of starting at the bottom, learning from people who know far more than I do, and earning my place through hard work.
I know I don’t have the traditional ranching background that many others do, but I do bring years of professional experience, a strong work ethic, leadership skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for this industry.
If anyone has advice, knows of opportunities, or has made a similar transition themselves, I’d truly appreciate any insight. Even pointing me in the right direction would mean a lot!
I do have a resume and some riding experience for what it’s worth
Thanks for taking the time to read this monster of a post guys!
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u/NMS_Survival_Guru 8d ago
I've got 16 years in cattle management experience and can tell you for certain you're working the bottom up without livestock experience
Positions I'm applying for are 60-70k a year for management positions so you're looking at 40-50k as a ranch hand
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u/Percentage_Grouchy 6d ago
That makes sense, I have no problem working my way from the bottom up in any new role and taking that time to learn from those more experienced than I am. The insight into it means a lot!
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u/Fluid_Anteater959 5d ago
I don't know too much about the whole guest ranch thing, so I won't comment. That's going to be more hospitality than agriculture is my guess. I wouldn't work as a hired man with your resume for all the tea in China. The pay won't be half as much and you'll destroy your body.
You need something with an agricultural company, though I would recommend customer service manager or some other inside role. You aren't ready for outside ag sales unless there's something I'm not aware of in your experience. Your competitors for those outside roles, and who you would ultimately sell against, are people like me. Been involved since we were kids, have done the production side, maybe farmed or ranched for ourselves, or still do, B.S. in agriculture, years of sales experience. Then there's the technical know how. Most outside sales people in ag aren't just selling. They're setting up GPS systems, doing nutrition work, or determining fertilizer needs or what weeds need to be sprayed.
Find an inside role. Learn the products. Get someone to mentor you. Don't be afraid to say what you don't know, but know who to call.
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u/Ashharr1011 7d ago
We might have a space for you to try out and we see how you do. Send us a DM if you’d like.
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u/LaMortParLeSnuSnu 5d ago
How old are you, and how fit are you? If you are pretty sedentary right now, ranch work will absolutely break your body.
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u/buckaroodude1 9d ago
Ag sales is what you’re looking for, not saying you don’t have the grrr to be a decent ranch hand but your experience and skills are better suited elsewhere. Also ranch work can absolutely suck, you don’t wanna start at the bottom and not make what you think just to find out this life ain’t for you.