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Cattle Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Lamar, CO

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Dalhart, TX · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Wellington, CO · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Yuma, CO · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Lamar, CO

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Malta, ID

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Dalhart, TX · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Ulysses, KS · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Lamar, CO · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

ID · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Dalhart, TX · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Ulysses, KS · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Pen Rider

Dalhart, TX · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Friona Industries

Pen Rider - Bovina, TX

Bovina, TX · On-site

Friona Industries Pen Rider's priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication ...

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Ulysses, KS

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Pen Rider

Yuma, CO · On-site

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: 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.

Friona Industries

Pen Rider - Bovina, TX

Bovina, TX · On-site

Friona Industries Pen Rider's priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication ...

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All JobsCattle Pen Rider Jobs

Cattle Pen Rider information

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$14

$20

$29

How much do cattle pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle pen rider 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 are cattle pen riders?

Cattle pen riders are ranch workers responsible for moving, sorting, and monitoring cattle within feedlots or ranch pens. Their primary duties include riding horses to guide cattle, checking for sick or injured animals, and ensuring all cattle receive the proper care. Pen riders play a crucial role in maintaining animal health and welfare by identifying health issues early and assisting with vaccinations or treatments. The job requires strong horsemanship skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of cattle behavior.

What are some common challenges faced by Cattle Pen Riders and how can they be effectively managed?

Cattle Pen Riders often encounter challenges such as managing animal stress, quickly identifying sick or injured cattle, and maintaining safety in fast-paced environments. To address these, developing strong observational skills, staying alert to cattle behavior, and communicating effectively with team members are essential. Regular training on animal handling and safety protocols also helps minimize risks and ensures the well-being of both cattle and staff. Working closely with veterinarians and supervisors can further support early detection of health issues and improve overall herd management.

What is the difference between Cattle Pen Rider vs Cattle Ranch Hand?

AspectCattle Pen RiderCattle Ranch Hand
CredentialsHigh school diploma, riding experienceHigh school diploma, riding experience
Work EnvironmentFenced pens, close to cattleOpen ranges, pastures
Job FocusManaging cattle in pens, moving cattle within confined areasGeneral cattle care, herding, fencing

The Cattle Pen Rider specializes in managing cattle within pens and confined areas, requiring riding skills and cattle handling experience. In contrast, the Cattle Ranch Hand performs broader ranch duties, including herding cattle across open ranges and maintaining ranch infrastructure. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in cattle operations, but they differ mainly in work environment and specific responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Cattle Pen Rider, you need strong horsemanship, cattle handling abilities, and a solid understanding of animal health and behavior, often gained through on-the-job experience or agricultural studies. Familiarity with tools like sorting sticks, cattle prods, and basic record-keeping systems is typically required. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure cattle are handled safely and efficiently, reducing animal stress and supporting overall feedlot productivity.
More about Cattle Pen Rider jobs
What cities are hiring for Cattle Pen Rider jobs? Cities with the most Cattle Pen Rider job openings:
What states have the most Cattle Pen Rider jobs? States with the most job openings for Cattle Pen Rider jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Pen Rider jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Pen Rider jobs are:
Cattle Pen Rider jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cattle Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Pen Rider

Pen Rider

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Lamar, CO

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE: Pen Rider

REPORTS TO: 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 RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Utilizes a horse to ride through assigned pens daily and identify sick animals by observing outward signs of distress; segregates sick cattle for treatment by driving them to nearest hospital pen; calls deads in for removal.

  • Assists in the shipment of fat cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to shipping areas for weighing; counting cattle and separating strays; checking withdrawals.

  • Moves/drives cattle from one area of the yard to another by utilizing humane low-stress techniques including the slow movement of cattle.

  • Returns treated cattle to home pens from hospitals.

  • Returns stray animals to home pens.

  • Rides horse safely by awareness of surroundings and exercise of caution in dangerous situations.

  • Maintains appearance of break room by properly disposing of trash, wiping feet upon entering, and sweeping/mopping according to the posted schedule.

  • Maintains cleanliness of horse facilities by sweeping floors and cleaning stalls.

  • Reports observed pen maintenance issues to appropriate yard employee for repair (broken water tanks, bunks, holes, etc.).

  • Alerts supervisor to possible problem pens through observance of unusual trends (including concerns about feed, conditions of cattle received, etc).

  • Complies with all applicable safety rules and policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to ride a horse in a safe manner.

  • Ability to furnish gentle horse and tack.

  • Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10s and 100s. Ability to apply these functions using units and weights.

  • Knowledge of cattle breeds and characteristics.

  • Flexibility to work varied hours should shipping necessitate it.

COMPETENCY:

Expected to work efficiently with minimal supervision, adapt to changes in the work environment, have the ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events, exhibit sound, and accurate judgment prioritize and plan work activities, set goals and objectives, observe safety and security procedures, and report potentially unsafe conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The 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.

The employee is required to ride a horse daily and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds from a standing, stooping, or sitting position. Employees will be in confinement areas with cattle and horses and must be able to safely and swiftly climb or exit the area. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Walking, climbing, bending, stooping, reaching upward and downward, pinching, gripping, hearing, sitting, pushing/pulling, twisting.

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