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Cattle Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agri Beef

Feedlot Pen Rider

American Falls, ID · On-site

Move cattle for shipment or treatment * Gather and move strays back to appropriate pens * Diagnose ... Conduct pen and equipment inspections * Notify appropriate personnel regarding dead cattle and ...

Agri Beef

Feedlot Pen Rider

American Falls, ID · On-site

Move cattle for shipment or treatment * Gather and move strays back to appropriate pens * Diagnose ... Conduct pen and equipment inspections * Notify appropriate personnel regarding dead cattle and ...

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Cattle Clerk (24566)

Coalinga, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Formulates Excel spreadsheets to ensure daily operations are met for shipping fat cattle, daily death sheets, and pen rider performance. * Ensures hospital quality control using Best Management ...

Simplot

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

Monitor cattle health by safely riding feedlot pens on horseback to identify sick, injured, or stressed animals, and safely remove them for medical treatment. * Support cattle operations by assisting ...

Simplot Company

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

$21.52/hr

Monitor cattle health by safely riding feedlot pens on horseback to identify sick, injured, or stressed animals, and safely remove them for medical treatment.Support cattle operations by assisting ...

Simplot

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

Monitor cattle health by safely riding feedlot pens on horseback to identify sick, injured, or stressed animals, and safely remove them for medical treatment. * Support cattle operations by assisting ...

J.R. Simplot Company

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA

Monitor cattle health by safely riding feedlot pens on horseback to identify sick, injured, or stressed animals, and safely remove them for medical treatment. * Support cattle operations by assisting ...

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Cattle Pen Rider information

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How much do cattle pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.
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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.

Feedlot Pen Rider

Snake River Cattle Feeders, LLC

American Falls, ID

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • On horseback, ride through pens, inspect cattle, and make decisions about pulling animals to be hospitalized
  • Move cattle for shipment or treatment
  • Gather and move strays back to appropriate pens
  • Diagnose, treat, and record cattle health instances according to established protocols from consulting veterinarian
  • Conduct pen and equipment inspections
  • Notify appropriate personnel regarding dead cattle and repairs/maintenance needed
  • Administer injections and other treatments as directed by Animal Health Manager
  • Review daily agenda for cattle movements
  • If shipping, perform head counts, retrieve cattle, and move them to scales and shipping pens
  • Adhere to Agri Beef’s Animal Handling and Welfare Policy, as well as OSHA, BQA, and other safety policies
  • Maintain a positive attendance record by demonstrating consistent and punctual attendance on a regular basis
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong horse-riding ability/experience required
  • Keen ability to identify distressed and sick cattle
  • Knowledgeable in herding cattle
  • Good time management skills
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and conditions

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

  • Minimum of six (6) months related experience and/or training
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)