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Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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:

New

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding

Head Pen Rider

Yuma, CO

JOB TITLE: Head Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager FLSA STATUS: AG Exempt, Salaried FUNCTION ... movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Simplot Company

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA

SummaryAs a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

Simplot

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

Summary As a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

J.R. Simplot Company

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

Summary As a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

Simplot

Pen Rider / Vaquero

Burbank, WA · On-site

Summary As a Feedlot Cowboy, you'll play a vital role in caring for our feedlot cattle. Your responsibilities include monitoring livestock health, identifying animals in need of attention, and ...

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Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider information

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How much do entry level feedlot pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level feedlot pen rider in the United States is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider, you need basic horsemanship, cattle handling experience, and an understanding of animal health and welfare, typically gained through hands-on farm work or agricultural courses. Familiarity with livestock management systems, record-keeping tools, and safety protocols is often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying animal health issues and coordinating with team members. These abilities help ensure animal well-being, efficient feedlot operations, and compliance with industry standards.

What are the main challenges faced by entry-level feedlot pen riders, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level feedlot pen riders often face challenges such as quickly identifying signs of illness in cattle, adapting to fast-paced outdoor work in varying weather conditions, and learning safe livestock handling techniques. To overcome these, new pen riders should focus on building observational skills, seeking mentorship from experienced team members, and prioritizing safety protocols. Regular communication with veterinarians and feedlot managers also helps ensure cattle are well cared for and supports personal growth within the team environment.

What are Entry Level Feedlot Pen Riders?

Entry Level Feedlot Pen Riders are agricultural workers responsible for monitoring the health and well-being of livestock in feedlots. Their primary duties include riding horses through cattle pens to identify sick or injured animals, moving cattle between pens, and assisting with treatments as needed. This entry level role usually requires basic horsemanship skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Pen Riders play a critical role in ensuring animal welfare and maintaining the overall efficiency of feedlot operations.

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

AspectEntry Level Feedlot Pen RiderEntry Level Cattle Ranch Hand
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic cattle handling skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic cattle handling skills
Work EnvironmentFeedlots, confined spaces, close to livestockRanches, open pastures, outdoor settings
Employer & Industry UsageFeedlot operations, beef production facilitiesRanching, cattle farming, livestock management

The Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider and Entry Level Cattle Ranch Hand roles share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on cattle handling and outdoor work. However, Pen Riders typically work in confined feedlot settings, while Ranch Hands operate in open pasture environments. Both roles are essential in beef production, but their daily tasks and work settings differ based on industry segment.

More about Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feedlot Pen Rider jobs? The most popular types of Feedlot Pen Rider jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider jobs are:
Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Feedlot Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,474 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Head Pen Rider

Head Pen Rider

Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, LLC

Yuma, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

JOB TITLE: Head Pen Rider

REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager

FLSA STATUS: AG Exempt, Salaried

FUNCTION: Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in 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.

  • Supervises pen riders. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

  • 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 humanely by utilizing low-stress techniques including the slow movement of cattle.

  • Returns treated cattle to home pens from hospitals daily.

  • 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, maintaining stalls, etc...

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

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

  • Sets a positive example for employees by modeling safe work practices and following safety rules and policies. Communicates critical safety information to employees by conducting regular safety training; monitors workplace for unsafe/non-compliant behavior.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Supervisory experience.

  • 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 10’s and 100’s. Ability to apply these functions using units and weights.

  • Knowledge of cattle breeds and characteristics.

  • Flexibility to work varied hours should shipping necessitate it.

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

COMPETENCY:

Expected to 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. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Frequently to Occasionally the employee is required to push/pull, reach, bend, run, sit, stand, jump, climb, squat, kneel, lift, carry, twist, grasp/squeeze. Working with or near cattle, horses, vehicles and equipment in all weather conditions.

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