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Pen Rider Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Friona Industries Pen Rider's priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication ...

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

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

Friona Industries Pen Rider's priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication ...

New

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

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

Pen Rider information

See Texas salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen rider in Texas is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $18.80 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 Texas? For Pen Rider jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Texas are hiring for Pen Rider jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Pen Rider job openings:
Infographic showing various Pen Rider job openings in Texas 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 $39,517 per year, or $19 per hour.
Pen Rider - Littlefield, TX

Pen Rider - Littlefield, TX

Friona Industries

Amherst, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Friona Industries Pen Rider's priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication regarding the health and welfare of the entire feedyard. A Pen Rider will work closely with all feedyard departments both as an individual and as a member of a team to establish the highest quality care and maintenance of the feedyard to ensure the welfare of livestock while contributing to the overall success of the feedyard team.
Roles and Tasks
• Adhere to Beef Quality Assurance standards and procedures
• Observe livestock daily to recognize and report sick cattle and various feedyard problems
• Immediately report any unusual or excessive sickness to the cattle manager
• Inspect water and watering system every time a pen is entered and report any issues or maintenance necessary to the Cattle Manager
• Segregate and remove sick cattle from pens and transfer them to hospital area containment
• Place all stray cattle in proper pens and be constantly alert for cattle requiring additional attention
• Assists in shipment and movement of cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to required areas for weighing and counting, and handling strays
• Care and maintenance of horses, tack, and facilities
• Sort and return hospital cattle back to pens as required
• Rides and handles horses safely with awareness of surroundings and potential harmful situations
• Observe and record all stiff and prolapsed cattle and pull if necessary
• Continual observance and adherence of all safety policies and procedures
• Promote, support, and participate in all company policies, procedures and programs
Specific Knowledge:
• Basic Knowledge of livestock health and habits
• Knowledge of fundamental animal health programs
• Understand and apply human handling policies and procedure of cattle and horse livestock
• Understand the consulting veterinarian's requirements regarding cattle to be pulled
• Experienced in safe horse riding, handling, and maintenance
Special Conditions / Requirements:
• Physical Requirements Include: standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, shoveling, working equipment, and handling livestock, mounting, dismounting and riding
• Considerable exposure to weather such as: rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat, cold, wind, and dust
• Daily close proximity to livestock
• Occasional physical exertion during administration of medical attention
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities and we will not unlawfully consider any factors of race, religion, age, creed, national origin, gender, disability veteran status or any and all other unlawful biases regarding federal, state or local laws with regard to workers or applicants.
Friona Industries participates in E-Verify. We will provide the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employer's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.