1

Feedlot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

* Collect, process, and evaluate field samples in and around an active cattle feedlot. These samples will be collected weekly with culturing taking place in a BSL-2 laboratory. * Prepare sampling ...

Drive Growth in Large Dairy & Feedlot Accounts, and influence key decision makers * Achieve sales targets by expanding additive adoption within high-volume dairies and commercial feedyards , focusing ...

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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Feedlot information

See salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do feedlot jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for feedlot in the United States is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are feedlots?

Feedlots are specialized facilities where livestock, primarily cattle, are fed and raised until they reach market weight. These operations focus on efficiently fattening animals using a controlled diet, often consisting of grains, silage, and supplements. Feedlots play a crucial role in the beef production industry by helping to produce high-quality meat in a relatively short period. The animals are closely monitored for health and growth, and modern feedlots often utilize technology to manage feeding and care.

What are some common challenges faced by feedlot workers and how can they be managed effectively?

Feedlot workers often encounter challenges such as managing animal health, monitoring feed quality, and working in varying weather conditions. Staying attentive to signs of illness, maintaining strict hygiene protocols, and following feed schedules are essential for animal welfare and operational efficiency. Collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists, and other team members helps address these challenges, while regular training ensures workers are up-to-date on best practices. Adaptability and effective communication are key to thriving in this fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Feedlot Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Feedlot Manager, you need expertise in livestock management, animal nutrition, and operational oversight, typically supported by a degree in animal science or agricultural management. Familiarity with feed management software, animal health tracking systems, and inventory control tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help in managing staff and responding to challenges. These skills ensure animal health, operational efficiency, and profitability in a demanding agricultural environment.

What is the difference between Feedlot vs Livestock Technician?

AspectFeedlotLivestock Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in cattle managementHigh school diploma; often additional certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentLarge-scale cattle feedlots, outdoor and indoorFarms, ranches, or research facilities, outdoor and indoor
Industry UsagePrimarily in beef productionInvolved in animal health, research, or farm management

Feedlot workers focus on managing cattle in large-scale feedlots, overseeing feeding, health, and movement. Livestock Technicians assist with animal care, health monitoring, and record-keeping across various settings. While both roles involve cattle, Feedlot workers are more specialized in feedlot operations, whereas Livestock Technicians have broader animal care responsibilities.

More about Feedlot jobs
What cities are hiring for Feedlot jobs? Cities with the most Feedlot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feedlot jobs? The most popular types of Feedlot jobs are:
What states have the most Feedlot jobs? States with the most job openings for Feedlot jobs include:
Infographic showing various Feedlot job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,306 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Pen Rider / Vaquero (Grand View, ID)

Pen Rider / Vaquero (Grand View, ID)

Simplot

Grand View, ID

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 380 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

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 administering appropriate treatments. Throughout your work, you’ll ensure that all cattle are handled safely, professionally, and humanely, contributing to the overall well-being of the livestock. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

 
  • 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 with receiving, unloading, sorting, and processing livestock as directed by the Feedlot and/or Cattle Manager/Supervisor.
  • Administer medical care to sick or injured cattle in accordance with treatment plans established by the Staff Veterinarian.
  • Move and rotate cattle between pens as instructed by the Cattle Manager/Supervisor and/or Lead Cowboy to align with production schedules.
  • Care for horses by training, shoeing, feeding, and providing medical treatment to maintain healthy, productive animals.
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned to support overall feedlot operations. 
Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent (preferred but not required). 
  • Previous experience working with cattle in one or more of the cattle production segments, such as cow-calf, stocker, or cattle feeding 
  • Solid knowledge of animal health and cattle conditions, typically gained through a minimum of two years in a feedlot or ranch setting. 
  • Adequate horsemanship skills – in a feedlot setting 
    • Must provide own tack 
 
Language Skills
  • Ability to read and understand basic instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write clear and simple correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively communicate information in one-on-one and small group settings with customers, clients, and fellow employees. 
Mathematical Skills
  • Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's.
  • Ability to perform basic calculations involving U.S. currency, as well as units of weight, volume, and distance.
 
Reasoning Ability
  • Ability to apply common sense to follow detailed but straightforward written or verbal instructions.
  • Ability to solve problems involving a limited number of concrete variables in standardized situations. 
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. 

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to mount and unmount horse multiple times a day and sit in a saddle for long periods of time.
  • When freezing conditions occur, must be able to safely mount and dismount a horse to break ice as needed.
  • Must be able to frequently push, pull, and twist while working on horseback.
  • Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands/fingers to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
  • Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include distance vision, color vision, and depth perception. 
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. 

  • Work is performed primarily outdoors in feedlot pens with cattle present. Employees are regularly exposed to varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, heat, and cold.
  • The role involves regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and occasional work near moving mechanical parts or in wet and/or humid conditions.
  • Noise levels in the work environment range from moderate to loud.
  • Employees may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be able to work extended shifts of 10–11 hours per day.
  • Success in this role requires the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment to achieve organizational goals.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

Job Requisition ID: 26223

Travel Required: None

Location(s): L&L Feedlot - Grand View 

Country: United States


**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. 

If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General’s Washington Fair Chance Act Guide and RCW 49.94.010 for more information.**


What J.R. Simplot employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Simplot logo

About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

Social media