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A Pen Rider performs a range of duties at a cattle feedlot. You might move cattle between pens and help get them ready for transport. Pen Riders look out for any animals that may be sick or injured and ensure they get necessary treatment. You might carry out other duties such as counting cattle or assisting with weighing.
Pen Riders should have strong animal handling skills and excellent observational abilities. You’ll need to be able to communicate well and work as part of a team. Pen Riders must be able to work quickly and follow correct procedures. It’s important you can focus on safety in this role.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Pen Rider.
Possible job outcomes:
Get started in the beef cattle industry with the AHC33316 Certificate III in Feedlot Operations. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to clean and maintain cattle pens, mix and mill stockfeeds, remove manure and re-use effluent — as well as operate a range of farming equipment and machinery. Graduate with an arsenal of skills, ready to work at an Australian beef cattle feedlot. Enquire now for the next available enrolment opportunities and the full list of study units..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Pen Rider generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry is expected to experience stable employment numbers in coming years. There are currently 8,000 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Pen Rider. Pen Riders may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly regional and rural areas.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as a Pen Rider, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Feedlot Operations. This course will give you the skills to take on a range of roles in the beef cattle industry. You’ll cover topics including cleaning and maintaining cattle pens, mixing and milling stockfeeds, removing manure and reusing effluent and operating farming equipment and machinery.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within livestock and animal production. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Livestock and Animal Production
Bore Runner
$960 weekly pay
Farmhand
Livestock Transporter
Pen Rider
Piggery Attendant
Poultry Farm Worker
Sheep Shearer
Sheep Shearing Trainer
Station Hand
Wool Classer
Wool Worker
Agribusiness Manager
$1,440 weekly pay
Dairy Farm Manager
Farm Manager
Organic Farmer
Station Manager
Stock and Station Agent
$1,150 weekly pay
Learn more about Pen Rider courses in your area.