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Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview: As a Pen Rider, you will be responsible for identifying and applying appropriate treatment to sick cattle ensuring all livestock is handled in a safe, professional and humane manner.

Pen Rider (24928)

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:

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:

As a Pen Rider, you'll play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of our cattle while contributing to the success of daily feedlot operations. In this hands-on position, you'll ...

As a Pen Rider, you'll play an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of our cattle while contributing to the success of daily feedlot operations. In this hands-on position, you'll ...

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Pen Rider POSITION PURPOSE: Pen Riders are responsible for handling, moving, inspecting, doctoring, processing and retrieving cattle in a quiet and efficient manner. Ride pens, inspect cattle and ...

Must be willing to relocate to Kansas & must have 3+ years experience as a pen rider*** Roles and Tasks * Assisting the doctors and pen riders with identification and treatment of sick and injured ...

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Pen Rider information

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$14

$20

$29

How much do pen rider jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for pen rider in the United States is $20.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pen rider?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a pen rider?

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 are 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 cities are hiring for Pen Rider jobs?

Cities with the most Pen Rider job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pen Rider jobs?

The most popular types of Pen Rider jobs are:

What states have the most Pen Rider jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Pen Rider jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Pen Rider job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,416 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Pen Rider North #1 -Sublette, KS

Sublette, KS • On-site

Friona Industries
Cattle Farming • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Observe livestock daily to recognize and report sick cattle and feedyard problems.

  • Segregate and remove sick cattle from pens, transfer them to hospital area, and assist in their care and sorting.

  • Inspect water and watering systems, report issues, and handle cattle movement and handling tasks as needed.


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.

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