General Description / Objective
A 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
Other duties and job assignments are necessary for feedyard effectiveness
Profile / Professional Competencies
Education Requirements :
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
Languages :
IT / Technical Knowledge :
Minimum Experience Required :
One year of feedyard or cattle handling experience preferred.
Previous horseback riding experience required.
Ability to safely handle horses and work cattle on horseback.
Basic knowledge of cattle behavior and identifying sick or injured cattle preferred.
Basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills
Position Requirements
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.
Ability to safely ride horseback for extended periods throughout the workday.
Ability to safely handle and restrain cattle when administering medical treatment.
Tools Utilized :
Employees must provide their own horses and tack for daily pen riding duties.