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Pen Rider Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Pen Rider (24642)

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:

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Pen Rider (24642)

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:

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Cattle Clerk (24566)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Formulates Excel spreadsheets to ensure daily operations are met for shipping fat cattle, daily death sheets, and pen rider performance. * Ensures hospital quality control using Best Management ...

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How much do pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen rider in California is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pen Rider position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pen Rider, you need strong horsemanship abilities, cattle handling skills, and a solid understanding of animal health, often gained through hands-on experience or agricultural training. Proficiency with basic livestock management tools and, in some operations, familiarity with feedlot management software or animal health recordkeeping systems is beneficial. Excellent observation skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently make someone stand out in this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring livestock wellbeing, efficient pen management, and seamless coordination with feedlot teams.

What is a Pen Rider job?

A Pen Rider is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health and welfare of cattle in feedlots. They ride horseback or use ATVs to check pens for sick, injured, or stressed animals, ensuring timely treatment. Duties include sorting cattle, moving them between pens, and communicating with veterinarians and feedlot staff. The job requires strong horsemanship, attention to detail, and knowledge of animal health and behavior. Pen Riders play a crucial role in ensuring cattle are properly cared for and feedlot operations run efficiently.

What are some common challenges Pen Riders face on the job?

Pen Riders often deal with challenges such as quickly identifying sick or injured animals among large herds, working in varying weather conditions, and managing the physical demands of riding for extended periods. They must also navigate the complexities of safely moving cattle through pens to minimize stress and injury. Adaptability and attention to detail are essential, as conditions in the feedlot can change rapidly. However, overcoming these challenges is rewarding and plays a key role in maintaining animal health and overall feedlot productivity.

What are popular job titles related to Pen Rider jobs in California? For Pen Rider jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pen Rider jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pen Rider jobs in California are:
Pen Rider jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pen Rider job openings in California 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 $41,860 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Pen Rider (24642)

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Coalinga, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: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:
  • Responsible for observing strays, poor doers, downer animals, or other animals not destined for processing.
  • Gather, sort, count, and load cattle for harvest.
  • Ride pens per daily schedule identifying sickness and injuries.
  • Accurately record pulled cattle removed from pens.
  • Receive, ship, unload and move cattle as needed.
  • Safely Move cattle from pens as directed.
  • Maintain cleanliness of horse facilities and tack.
  • Act in accordance with all applicable safety animal welfare regulations and company policies.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Must recognize sick or injured cattle, skillfully pull them out of the pen, and move them to the hospital.
  • Must have good horsemanship skills.
  • Essential to have full knowledge of livestock handling skills.
  • Must be able to count cattle accurately.
  • Excellent verbal communication.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Must work well in a team-oriented environment.
Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Physical Requirements:
  • Requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
  • Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds at a time.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions.

Position is subject to E-VERIFY

   Harris Ranch Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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