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Internship 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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Internship Feedlot Pen Rider information

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How much do internship feedlot pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship feedlot pen rider in the United States is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship feedlot pen rider?

Internship Feedlot Pen Riders are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who work temporarily at cattle feedlots to gain hands-on experience in animal care and management. Their primary responsibilities include riding through cattle pens on horseback, checking the health of animals, identifying sick or injured cattle, and assisting with treatments and record-keeping. This role is an entry-level position designed to develop skills in livestock handling, animal health assessment, and feedlot operations. Interns work closely with experienced pen riders and feedlot managers to learn industry best practices and prepare for future careers in animal agriculture.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily routines of an internship feedlot pen rider?

As an Internship Feedlot Pen Rider, your primary responsibilities include riding through cattle pens to monitor animal health, identifying sick or injured livestock, and ensuring they receive prompt treatment. You'll also assist with sorting, moving, and processing cattle, as well as maintaining accurate records of observations and treatments. The role involves working closely with experienced pen riders, veterinarians, and feedlot managers, providing you with hands-on learning opportunities in animal husbandry and feedlot operations. Daily routines typically start early and require strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and effective communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship feedlot pen rider, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Feedlot Pen Rider, you need a foundational knowledge of cattle behavior, livestock handling, and basic animal health, often supported by coursework or experience in animal science or agriculture. Familiarity with riding and handling horses, using feedlot management software, and understanding animal health protocols are typically required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying health issues early and working with a team. These skills ensure animal well-being, operational efficiency, and a safe feedlot environment.

What is the difference between Internship Feedlot Pen Rider vs Feedlot Worker?

AspectInternship Feedlot Pen RiderFeedlot Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in livestock handlingHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience varies
Work EnvironmentOutdoor feedlot pens, physically demanding, seasonalOutdoor feedlot, physically demanding, seasonal
Job DutiesAssisting with cattle movement, basic animal care, learning feedlot operationsFeeding, herding, and caring for cattle, maintaining pens

Internship Feedlot Pen Riders typically focus on learning feedlot operations and assisting with cattle handling under supervision, often as part of a training program. Feedlot Workers perform routine tasks like feeding and herding cattle independently. Both roles require physical stamina and outdoor work, but internships emphasize training and skill development.

What cities are hiring for Internship Feedlot Pen Rider jobs?

Cities with the most Internship 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 Internship Feedlot Pen Rider jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Internship Feedlot Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Internship, 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,624 per year, or $16.6 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