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Feedlot Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry is highly desirable. * Willingness to work non-traditional ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry is highly desirable. * Willingness to work non-traditional ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry is highly desirable. * Willingness to work non-traditional ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Pen Rider REPORTS TO: Cattle Manager and/or Head Cowboy (where applicable) FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Ag ... Monitoring and movement of livestock in Feedlot by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL ...

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate ... Knowledge of cattle feedlot industry is highly desirable. * Willingness to work non-traditional ...

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Feedlot Pen Rider information

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How much do feedlot pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for feedlot 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 feedlot pen rider?

A Feedlot Pen Rider is responsible for monitoring the health and well-being of cattle in a feedlot. Their duties typically include riding through pens on horseback to spot sick or injured animals, administering basic treatments, and moving cattle as needed. They play a crucial role in maintaining herd health by identifying issues early and working with veterinarians and feedlot staff. Strong horsemanship and knowledge of cattle behavior are essential skills for this role.

What does a feedlot pen rider do?

A typical day for a Feedlot Pen Rider involves riding through feedlot pens to monitor cattle health, checking for signs of illness or injury, and sorting or moving cattle as needed. You’ll work closely with veterinarians, feedlot managers, and other pen riders to ensure proper treatment and record-keeping. Expect to spend much of your time outdoors in varying weather conditions, and be prepared for physically demanding work that requires both attention to detail and quick decision-making. Effective teamwork and communication are central, as you’ll often coordinate with others to handle cattle safely and efficiently. This role is vital in maintaining the wellbeing of the feedlot’s livestock and ensuring smooth daily operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a feedlot pen rider?

Success as a Feedlot Pen Rider requires strong horsemanship, livestock handling experience, and an understanding of animal health and welfare. Familiarity with feedlot management systems, cattle identification technology, and sometimes certifications like Beef Quality Assurance are valuable technical assets. Excellent observation skills, effective communication, and reliability help Feedlot Pen Riders efficiently identify animal health issues and coordinate with team members. These skills are essential for maintaining herd health, ensuring timely interventions, and supporting overall feedlot productivity.

What cities are hiring for Feedlot Pen Rider jobs?

Cities with the most 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 states have the most Feedlot Pen Rider jobs?

States with the most job openings for Feedlot Pen Rider jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Feedlot Pen Rider jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Feedlot Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Lincoln, NE • On-site

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

$18.55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at the feedlot.

  • Maintain pens, machinery, and fences, and provide general care and husbandry for approximately 6,500 head of livestock.

  • Collect research data and travel between feeding locations and facilities as required.


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
EEO Statement
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