Feedlot Pen Rider Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.