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Cattle Hand Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cattle are not by themselves, sunken in, with their head down as that can indicate sickness ... hand movements as needed to complete tasks * Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and ...

Laboratory Technician, Media Preparation

Hull, IA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Excellent hand-eye coordination * Ability to follow established lab procedures and safety protocols ... cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to ...

Excellent hand-eye coordination * Ability to follow established lab procedures and safety protocols ... cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to ...

Laboratory Technician, Media Preparation

Hull, IA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Excellent hand-eye coordination * Ability to follow established lab procedures and safety protocols ... cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to ...

Excellent hand-eye coordination * Ability to follow established lab procedures and safety protocols ... cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to ...

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Cattle Hand information

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

To thrive as a Cattle Hand, you need practical experience with livestock handling, basic animal husbandry knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment like cattle prods, tractors, and livestock management software is beneficial, and some roles may require certifications in animal welfare or first aid. Strong observation, communication, and physical stamina are important soft skills to excel in this position. These skills ensure the safety, health, and productivity of the livestock while supporting efficient ranch or farm operations.

What is the difference between Cattle Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectCattle HandLivestock Worker
CredentialsNone required, some experience preferredNone required, some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentRanches, farms, outdoor settingsFarms, ranches, outdoor settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in cattle farmingUsed across various livestock sectors including cattle, sheep, goats
Job TasksFeeding, herding, caring for cattleFeeding, caring for various livestock, maintaining facilities

Both Cattle Hands and Livestock Workers perform outdoor farm tasks, but Cattle Hands specialize in cattle care, while Livestock Workers may handle multiple animal types. The roles often overlap in work environment and basic duties, but the focus differs based on the specific livestock managed.

What are cattle hands?

Cattle hands, also known as stockmen or ranch hands, are workers who care for and manage cattle on farms, ranches, or stations. Their main duties include feeding, watering, herding, monitoring animal health, maintaining fences, and assisting with birthing and medical treatment. Cattle hands often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may operate machinery or vehicles as part of their job. The role requires physical fitness, knowledge of livestock behavior, and basic veterinary skills.

What are some common challenges a Cattle Hand may face during seasonal changes, and how can they prepare for them?

Cattle Hands often encounter unique challenges during seasonal transitions, such as managing livestock health in extreme weather, adjusting feeding routines, and ensuring adequate shelter and water supply. In winter, they need to prevent frostbite and provide extra nutrition, while in summer, heat stress and dehydration become key concerns. Preparation includes monitoring weather forecasts, maintaining infrastructure, and collaborating closely with veterinarians and other ranch staff to ensure cattle welfare. Being proactive and adaptable helps Cattle Hands effectively handle these seasonal demands.
Infographic showing various Cattle Hand job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Feedlot Specialist

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee and ensure health of cattle
    • Daily observation
      • Check for open wounds on tails, feet and/or ears
      • Cattle are eating and drinking on a regular basis
      • Able to walk with no limp on all four hoofs
      • Cattle are not by themselves, sunken in, with their head down as that can indicate sickness
      • Environment is maintained by cleaning pens weekly by the removal of manure and adding more dirt to maintain comfort
    • Administer treatment protocols
      • Treatment may included but not limited to the removal of cattle in need of treatment to another location, administering antibiotics and anti-inflammatories with approved methods of euthanasia, as needed
    • Vaccination administration and Reporting
      • Complete treatment form to outline history of treatment
    • Complete Daily Paperwork - Animal treatment summary, feed sheets, commodities reports, etc.
    • Assist with morning and afternoon cattle feedings
      • Ensure correct rations and feed times are established and followed
      • Ensure truck loads are maximized with weights and rations
      • Accurately mix feed
      • Oversee upkeep of bunks
    • Maintain Inventory on all commodities, medications, implants and vaccines
    • General maintenance of company equipment
      • Include by not limited to applying grease, changing oil, checking tire pressure and replacing tires, as needed
    • Ability to operate Heavy Equipment
      • Feed Truck
      • Payloaders
      • Tractor
      • Skid Loaders
    • Special Projects -- Coordinate and complete special projects as requested for the Iowa Feedlot/Operations Manager and other Summit Farms management, as needed basis
    • Maintain a positive attitude while conducting work tasks along with a positive relationship with co-workers, vendors and clients.
    • Prioritize work tasks to ensure high priority items are taken care of first
    • Perform duties in a safe manner and follow all safety policies
    • All other duties as assigned by Manager

Work Environment:
  • This position is performed inside and outside pending the location of the cattle while being exposed to outside weather conditions.
  • The noise level within the work environment can be loud and during seasonal months additional fumes and dust may be more noticeable.

Education/Experience:
  • Prior experience working and being around livestock is preferred
  • Class A CDL preferred, but not required

Physicality Requirements:
  • Required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear.
  • The employee must be able to continuously repeat necessary movements such as bending, lifting and different hand movements as needed to complete tasks
  • Ability to frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds along with climbing up ladders and over gates
  • Ability to climb in and out of livestock trailers that can be as short as 48 inches in heigh

Position Type:
  • This position is full-time working Monday-Friday and/or work every other weekend with a day off during the week pending the schedule.
  • Additional hours may be required during staffing challenges and/or seasonal needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.