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Cattle Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Pen Rider

Leoti, KS

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve ...

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Pen Rider

Eckley, CO · On-site

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve ...

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Pen Rider

Yuma, CO

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve ...

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC

Pen Rider

Wray, CO

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Review daily agenda for cattle movements. * If shipping, perform and verify head counts, retrieve ...

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Pen Rider (24928)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

The Pen Rider will move, sort, and pull cattle that require treatment throughout the feedlot on horseback. Reports to: Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor. Duties/Responsibilities:

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Pen Rider (24928)

Coalinga, CA

$16.90 - $22/hr

The Pen Rider will move, sort, and pull cattle that require treatment throughout the feedlot on horseback.Reports to: Cowboy Assistant Supervisor and Cowboy Supervisor. Duties/Responsibilities:

Simplot

Pen Rider / Vaquero (Burbank, WA)

Burbank, WA · On-site

As a Pen Rider, you'll play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of our ... Safely remove cattle that require medical attention. * Administer treatments and medications ...

Boise Valley Feeders, LLC

Penrider-H

Parma, ID

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Agri Beef

Penrider-H

Parma, ID · On-site

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Agri Beef

Penrider-H

Parma, ID · On-site

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Friona Industries

Feedyard Vet Tech - MVZ

Satanta, KS · On-site

Must be willing to relocate to Kansas & must have 3+ years experience as a pen rider*** Roles and ... Assisting the Head Doctor and Cattle Manager with record-keeping of animal treatment history and ...

Friona Industries

Feedyard Vet Tech - MVZ

Satanta, KS · On-site

Must be willing to relocate to Kansas & must have 3+ years experience as a pen rider*** Roles and ... Assisting the Head Doctor and Cattle Manager with record-keeping of animal treatment history and ...

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Cattle Pen Rider information

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How much do cattle pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Cattle Pen Rider jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cattle Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Pen Rider

Leoti, KS

Cobalt Cattle Company LLC
See more jobs at Cobalt Cattle Company LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Review daily agenda for cattle movements and perform necessary actions such as verifying head counts, retrieving cattle, and moving them to appropriate pens.

  • Inspect cattle on horseback, make decisions about pulling animals for evaluation and treatment, and monitor pens for re-treatment or movement to home pens.

  • Notify personnel about dead cattle, perform maintenance or repairs as needed, and maintain the physical condition of horses and tack.

Job description


Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate treatment to sick cattle ensuring all livestock is handled in a safe, professional and humane manner.
Essential functions
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
  • 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 through pens, inspect cattle and make decisions about pulling animals to be evaluated and treated based off appearance and other signs of illness.
  • Evaluate respiratory observe and recovery pens for re-treatment or movement to home pens.
  • Gather and move strays back to appropriate lots and pens.
  • Notify appropriate personnel regarding dead cattle and repairs or maintenance needed.
  • Maintain physical condition of horse(s) and tack.
  • Ensure compliance with all OSHA/Safety procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Maintain housekeeping of horse barn and tack rooms.
  • Maintain inventory of horse feed.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Competencies
  • Adequate verbal and written communication skills.
  • Adequate mathematical skills: Ability to add and subtract, multiply and divide numbers.
  • Adequate horsemanship skills
  • Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry is highly desirable.
  • Willingness to work non-traditional hours as required
  • This individual must have the ability to work with a team, or individually.
  • Ability to communicate in English is preferred, not required.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks when appropriate.
Supervisory responsibilities
  • None 
Work environment
  • You will be required to work at times in extreme weather conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, heat, cold.
  • Ability to work nights on occasions, weekends, and holidays.
Physical demands
  • Ability to sit in a saddle for long periods of time.
  • Ability to work extended hours 10-11 hours per day.
  • This individual must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Individual must be able to push, pull, and twist often on horseback.
  • Pull oneself up on a horse with just one side of their body (one leg and one arm) 3-4 times per day.
  • Must be able to throw a saddle onto a horse (twisting while using force to lift 30-40lb saddle up to eye level)
  • Reaching out away from body to pull 8lb gate rods up at a 56 degree angle while sitting on and holding onto a horse 130 times per days.
  • Must be able to push gate open from horseback using one arm extended out and away from body while controlling the horse 130 times per day.
  • Must be able to perform a higher volume of lifting gate rods and pushing gates open once per week for 3-4 hours when shipping cattle. (Opening 70 more gates on top of the normal 130 opened per day.)
  • When applicable during freezing conditions, must be able to mount and unmount horse to break ice.
Travel required
  •  None 
Required education and experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 1-3 month’s related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Adequate horsemanship skills
Preferred education and experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or 1-3 month’s related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience working with and identifying sick cattle in a feedlot setting
  • Adequate horsemanship skills – feedlot setting
Competitive compensation and benefits including:
  • 401K Company Match
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off(PTO)
Work authorization/security clearance requirements
Cobalt Cattle Company LLC participates in E-Verify. You must be authorized to work in the United States.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Cobalt Cattle Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer
Note: Specific statements in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be an all-inclusive explanation of work to be performed.  They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.  Nothing in this document restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.  Employees are expected to perform any and all duties as assigned to the levels expected by management.  This job requires regular and predictable attendance. The Employee’s signature below is only an acknowledgment of receipt and understanding of the job description and in no way alters the Employee’s “at will” employment, and neither implies nor constitutes a contract of employment for a definite period of time.

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