Seasonal Volunteer

Why join MacDonald's Ranch?

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Work outdoors in a fun, festive atmosphere

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Meet new people and build friendships

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Gain customer service and teamwork experience

Help create lasting memories for local families

Gain customer service and teamwork experience

Help create lasting memories for local families

Expectations of a Seasonal Volunteer/Staff Member

Must be at least 14 years old

The minimum age requirement helps ensure participants are able to understand and follow safety guidelines, participate responsibly, and complete their role successfully

Physical requirements (walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs.)

The ability to walk, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 25 pounds is necessary to safely perform the essential functions of the position.

Outdoor work in varying weather

This role involves working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Participants should be prepared to safely perform duties in changing temperatures and weather.

Fall/Pumpkin Patch, or Western Attire

Appropriate fall, pumpkin patch, or western attire helps create a welcoming, seasonal atmosphere and provides a consistent, family-friendly guest experience.

Complete a brief training program

Training is required to prepare participants with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Position Descriptions

Admissions Team

Welcome guests, answer questions, provide directions, and process admissions transactions. Indoor position!

Pumpkin Patch and Train Station Cashiers

Process pumpkin and train ride sales, keep the cashier and pumpkin display area clean, organized, and well-stocked

Activity Helpers

Support games, crafts, and family activities, such as our mechanical bull!

Volunteers

Assist wherever help is needed, including special events, setup, parking, patch set-up, clean-up and break-down

Pony Leaders*

Lead ponies on 5-minute rides for children

Additional Qualifications: Prior horse or equine experience is required, must be comfortable handling ponies and working around animals, ability to remain calm, attentive, and safety-focused while working with children and animals.

· *Additional training will be provided before the season begins!

Concession Stand/Snack Shack

Sell prepackaged food and beverages, process payments, restock inventory, and help keep the snack shack clean and organized. No food preparation is required, and a food handler's card is not needed.

Train Driver

Operate a tractor-powered train to safely transport passengers on a 15-minute ride while following established routes and safety procedures. Must have previous experience with machinery.

Panning for Gold

Run our panning for gold station, paint gold rocks, maintain the water troughs

Season and Schedule

Dates: Saturday, October 3rd – Saturday, October 31st, 2026

We are closed every Tuesday, open early on Monday, October 12th, and we close early on Saturday, October 31st .

Typical shift length: 8:30am – 6:30pm, with a lunch break! We can work with your schedule/availability, however!*

Please provide us with your availability; we are happy to work with you!
*We would require a minimum of 4 hours of your time each shift.

Weekday/weekend needs! We offer field trips for children during the week, so you will stay busy both on the weekdays and on the weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at macranch@macdonaldsranch.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do I need experience?

Most positions do not require previous experience, although customer service experience is a plus! We provide training for all team members. A few specialized positions, such as Pony Ride Leader, require some prior equine experience.

How old do I need to be?

Mechanical Bull Position: 21 years old, Pony Ride Leader: 14 years old, Cashier Positions: 18 years old, Train Driver: 21 years old, Concession Stand: 16 years old, Other Positions: 14+ years old

What are your schedule requirements?

Minimum 4-hour shifts. We understand everyone has different schedules. We'll work with you to determine your availability, though full weekend availability is especially helpful during our busy times. Morning weekdays are also fairly busy with our school groups!

Will I be working outside?

Yes. Most positions are outdoors, so team members should dress appropriately for changing fall weather. All positions are either in the shade or indoors!

Can I earn community service hours?

Yes! We're happy to verify volunteer hours for schools, clubs, and community organizations.

What makes volunteering or working at the pumpkin patch special?

Our pumpkin patch is more than a seasonal attraction; it's a place where families create lasting memories. As a volunteer or team member, you'll help make those moments possible! Many of our volunteers and seasonal employees return year after year because of the friendships they build and the joy of being part of a favorite Fall tradition.

Application Process

Apply for a Seasonal Position OR Sign Up to Volunteer

Please call, email, or submit the “contact us” form from the website to apply! Please provide any relevant experience, contact information, which position you are interested in, and your availability.

A team member from MacDonald’s Ranch will be in touch to discuss your application! Thank you!

MacDonald's Ranch 26540 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255 us

Phone number: (480) 585-0239 Email: macranch@macdonaldsranch.com

Pumpkin Patch Seasonal Volunteer & Staff Information

Why join MacDonald's Ranch?

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Work outdoors in a fun, festive atmosphere

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Meet new people and build friendships

Be a part of a beloved community tradition

Gain customer service and teamwork experience

Gain customer service and teamwork experience

Help create lasting memories for local families

Gain customer service and teamwork experience

Help create lasting memories for local families

Help create lasting memories for local families

Help create lasting memories for local families

Expectations of a Seasonal Volunteer/Staff Member

Must be at least 14 years old

Physical requirements (walking, standing, lifting up to 25 lbs.)

Outdoor work in varying weather

Fall/Pumpkin Patch, or Western Attire

Complete a brief training program

Position Descriptions

Admissions Team

Pumpkin Patch and Train Station Cashiers

Activity Helpers

Volunteers

Pony Leaders*

Concession Stand/Snack Shack

Train Driver

Panning for Gold

Season and Schedule

Benefits

Volunteers

Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

Application Process

Apply for a Seasonal Position OR Sign Up to Volunteer

Apply now!