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Cattle Pen Rider Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Cattle Pen Rider information

What is a cattle pen rider?

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?

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.
What job categories do people searching Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Nebraska are:
Cattle Pen Rider jobs near you

Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$18.55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department
USMARC-0937
Requisition Number
S_260537
Posting Open Date
07/14/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
07/24/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility near Clay Center, NE. All work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries.
As a Feedlot Hand, you will:
  • Provide variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility in the beef livestock production area.
  • Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 6,500 head at the feedlot.
  • Maintain pens, machinery and fences.
  • Collect research data.

Experience in the care and riding of horses preferred but not required. Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between feeding locations and facilities is required.
Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a pen rider or feed truck driver.
About Us
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.
When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
  • Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
  • Retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma plus one year beef livestock production experience required; equivalent education/experience will be considered.
  • Precision, accuracy, and attention to detail necessary.
  • Ability to maintain and operate equipment associated with feedlot operation.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred but not required:
  • Ability to care for, saddle, and ride horses to sort individual animals from groups in a feedlot pen setting.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$18.55/hr minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Sheila Trampe
sheila.trampe@usda.gov
Job Category (old)
Office/Service
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Clay Center, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

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