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Cattle Cowboy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag Exempt FUNCTION: Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag Exempt FUNCTION: Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Summary As a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

Summary As a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

Drives cattle from one area of the yard to another humanely by practicing low stress techniques including the slow movement of cattle. * On horseback, ride through pens and/or pastures, inspect ...

Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve cattle from all applicable pens and move to scales and shipping pens. * On horseback, safely ride ...

Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve cattle from all applicable pens and move to scales and shipping pens. * On horseback, safely ride ...

Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve cattle from all applicable pens and move to scales and shipping pens. * On horseback, safely ride ...

Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve cattle from all applicable pens and move to scales and shipping pens. * On horseback, safely ride ...

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Cattle Cowboy information

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$14

$20

$29

How much do cattle cowboy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle cowboy in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cattle Cowboy vs Ranch Hand?

AspectCattle CowboyRanch Hand
CredentialsNone required, experience preferredNone required, experience preferred
Work EnvironmentOpen range, ranches, farmsOpen range, ranches, farms
Industry UsagePrimarily in cattle herding and ranchingGeneral farm and ranch work, including cattle

Both Cattle Cowboys and Ranch Hands work in ranch environments, often performing similar tasks like herding cattle and maintaining ranch operations. However, Cattle Cowboys typically focus specifically on cattle herding and riding skills, while Ranch Hands may handle a broader range of farm chores. The roles often overlap, but Cattle Cowboys are more specialized in cattle management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cattle cowboy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cattle Cowboy, you need a solid understanding of livestock handling, animal husbandry, and basic veterinary care, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Familiarity with ranch equipment, horses, ATVs, and sometimes GPS systems is also important for daily operations. Strong work ethic, resilience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing livestock and collaborating with team members. These skills are essential for ensuring cattle health, operational efficiency, and safety in often challenging outdoor environments.

What is a cattle cowboy?

Cattle cowboys are skilled workers who manage and care for cattle, typically on ranches or large farms. Their duties include herding, feeding, branding, and monitoring the health of the animals, as well as maintaining fences and equipment. Cowboys often work long hours outdoors and use horses or ATVs to move herds across pastures. The role is essential to livestock operations and is a vital part of the ranching industry in many regions.

What are the typical challenges faced by a cattle cowboy during seasonal changes, and how can they prepare for them?

Cattle Cowboys often encounter unique challenges during seasonal changes, such as managing herd health during extreme weather, ensuring cattle have access to adequate food and water, and adapting to shifting grazing patterns. In the winter, harsh conditions may require extra feeding and shelter, while in the summer, heat stress and water scarcity can be concerns. To prepare, Cowboys monitor weather forecasts, maintain equipment, and coordinate closely with ranch managers and veterinarians to develop contingency plans. Staying adaptable and proactive is key to successfully navigating these seasonal hurdles.
More about Cattle Cowboy jobs
What cities are hiring for Cattle Cowboy jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Cowboy job openings:
What states have the most Cattle Cowboy jobs? States with the most job openings for Cattle Cowboy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Cowboy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Cowboy jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cattle Cowboy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Pen Rider / Vaquero (Grand View, ID)

Simplot Company

Grand View, ID • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.SummaryAs a Feedlot Cowboy,you'llplay a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health,identifyinganimals in need of attention, and administeringappropriate treatments. Throughout your work,you'llensure that all cattle are handled safely, professionally, and humanely, contributing to the overall well-being of the livestock.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.Monitor cattle health by safely riding feedlot pens on horseback toidentifysick, injured, or stressed animals, and safely remove them for medical treatment. Support cattle operations by assisting with receiving, unloading, sorting, and processing livestock as directed by the Feedlot and/or Cattle Manager/Supervisor. Administer medical care to sick or injured cattle in accordance with treatment plans established by the Staff Veterinarian. Move and rotate cattle between pens as instructed by the Cattle Manager/Supervisor and/or Lead Cowboy to align with production schedules. Care for horses by training, shoeing, feeding, and providing medical treatment to maintain healthy, productive animals. Perform additional tasks as assigned to support overall feedlot operations.QualificationsThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Education and ExperienceHigh school diploma, GED, or equivalent (preferred but notrequired).Previous experience working with cattle in one or more of the cattle production segments, such as cow-calf, stocker, or cattle feedingSolid knowledge of animal health and cattle conditions, typically gained through a minimum of two years in a feedlot or ranch setting.Adequate horsemanship skills - in a feedlot settingMust provide own tackLanguage SkillsAbility to read and understand basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write clear and simple correspondence. Ability to effectively communicate information in one-on-one and small group settings with customers, clients, and fellow employees.Mathematical SkillsAbility to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.Ability to perform basic calculations involving U.S. currency, as well as units of weight, volume, and distance.Reasoning AbilityAbility to apply common sense to follow detailed but straightforward written or verbal instructions.Ability to solve problems involving a limited number of concrete variables in standardized situations.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to mount and unmount horse multiple times a day and sit in a saddle for long periods of time.When freezing conditions occur, must be able to safely mount and dismount a horse to break ice as needed. Must be able to frequently push, pull, and twist while working on horseback. Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands/fingers to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work is performed primarily outdoors in feedlot pens with cattle present. Employees are regularly exposed to varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, heat, and cold.The role involves regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and occasional work near moving mechanical parts or in wet and/or humid conditions. Noise levels in the work environment range from moderate to loud. Employees may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be able to work extended shifts of 10-11 hours per day. Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment to achieve organizational goals.Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skillsrequired ofpersonnel so classified.Job Requisition ID:26223Travel Required:NoneLocation(s):L&L Feedlot - Grand ViewCountry:United States**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see theWashington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance Act GuideandRCW 49.94.010 for more information.**

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About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

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