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Cattle Pen Rider Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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'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 ...

General Description / Objective A 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 ...

General Description / Objective A 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 ...

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Texas?

For Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Cattle Pen Rider jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Cattle Pen Rider jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Cattle Pen Rider job openings:

Infographic showing various Cattle Pen Rider job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Pen Rider - Bovina, TX

Bovina, TX • On-site

Friona Industries
Cattle Farming • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

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 regarding the health and welfare of the entire feedyard. A Pen Rider will work closely with all feedyard departments both as an individual and as a member of a team to establish the highest quality care and maintenance of the feedyard to ensure the welfare of livestock while contributing to the overall success of the feedyard team.
Roles and Tasks
• Adhere to Beef Quality Assurance standards and procedures
• Observe livestock daily to recognize and report sick cattle and various feedyard problems
• Immediately report any unusual or excessive sickness to the cattle manager
• Inspect water and watering system every time a pen is entered and report any issues or maintenance necessary to the Cattle Manager
• Segregate and remove sick cattle from pens and transfer them to hospital area containment
• Place all stray cattle in proper pens and be constantly alert for cattle requiring additional attention
• Assists in shipment and movement of cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to required areas for weighing and counting, and handling strays
• Care and maintenance of horses, tack, and facilities
• Sort and return hospital cattle back to pens as required
• Rides and handles horses safely with awareness of surroundings and potential harmful situations
• Observe and record all stiff and prolapsed cattle and pull if necessary
• Continual observance and adherence of all safety policies and procedures
• Promote, support, and participate in all company policies, procedures and programs
Specific Knowledge:
• Basic Knowledge of livestock health and habits
• Knowledge of fundamental animal health programs
• Understand and apply human handling policies and procedure of cattle and horse livestock
• Understand the consulting veterinarian's requirements regarding cattle to be pulled
• Experienced in safe horse riding, handling, and maintenance
Special Conditions / Requirements:
• Physical Requirements Include: standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, shoveling, working equipment, and handling livestock, mounting, dismounting and riding
• Considerable exposure to weather such as: rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat, cold, wind, and dust
• Daily close proximity to livestock
• Occasional physical exertion during administration of medical attention
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities and we will not unlawfully consider any factors of race, religion, age, creed, national origin, gender, disability veteran status or any and all other unlawful biases regarding federal, state or local laws with regard to workers or applicants.
Friona Industries participates in E-Verify. We will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employer's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.