Pen Checker

A Pen Checker maintains the health and welfare of cattle, processes incoming and outgoing
cattle, performs disease and pest prevention activities, moves cattle from one location to another
in the yard, separates and sorts cattle, and operates farm equipment, tools, and machinery. Pen
Checkers may work on foot or ride a horse.

Driland Feeders is a custom feedlot, cow-calf and farming operation with the main goal of
enriching the lives around us by positively contributing to the agricultural business in Alberta.
Animal welfare and the health, safety and satisfaction of our employees are always at the
forefront.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Follow all company policies, procedures of codes of practice
• Display commitment to the Health and Safety Program
• Utilize low stress cattle handling techniques
• Prepare cattle for shipping and assist truckers in loading cattle trailers
• Prepare pens for incoming cattle and receive cattle shipments
• Process and induct incoming cattle according to specified protocols and preventative
health measures
• Work with the rest of the Cattle Health Crew to move cattle throughout the yard (Ex.
Assessing risks, planning routes of travel, handling cattle appropriately, etc.)
• Monitor the physical condition and health of cattle
• Recognize behavioral changes and signs of stress
• Recognize signs of ill health such as withdrawal from feed or water, lameness,
labored breathing, hair loss, etc.
• Recognize signs of heat or cold stress
• Identify presence of external parasites
• Examine pens for signs of illness (ex. Blood, runny stool, etc.)
• Monitor environmental and pen conditions (ex. Weather, bedding, feed, water, etc.)
• Report health of cattle to management, specifically any issues or problems
• Sort, separate, examine and provide basic treatment to sick cattle
• Prepare treatment area and equipment
• Verify that appropriate medication or treatment is unexpired, clean and for the
intended animal
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• Administer appropriate dosage
• Create and maintain treatment records
• Conduct euthanasia if required
• Observe cattle post-treatment
• Seek immediate assistance with cattle health emergencies
• Assist veterinarians as required and directed (ex. Restraining cattle, disposing of
veterinary waste, etc.)
• Perform basic procedures such as tagging, dehorning, castration, etc. under direction and
supervision
• Identify death losses, record and report appropriately
• Operate computers using FeedIt and TreatIt software to keep appropriate records of cattle
and care provided
• Communicate with the Cattle Health Crew and the rest of the feedlot team to ensure the
cattle are well cared for and daily tasks are accomplished
• Perform Pre-Trip Inspections prior to operating equipment or machinery and record in
MaintainX
• Operate and maintain equipment, tools and machinery (ex. Tractors, skid steers, cattle
chutes, etc.), record repairs or maintenance in MaintainX
• Perform other miscellaneous farm and maintenance tasks as required

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Previous farm, feedlot and/or livestock experience is an asset.
• Experience operating equipment is an asset, but not required.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Fluent in English
• Willingness to learn, organized, good time management skills
• Reliable, dependable and committed
• Great team player and strong communication skills
• Good physical health – requires working varying hours outdoors in mild to extreme
weather conditions
• Flexibility – Standard shift is 10 hours but may run longer or shorter according to number
of cattle and season

Competitive wage is provided based on experience. Employee Benefits including but not limited
to Life Insurance, health, dental and eyecare are available for Full Time employees. To apply, please send resume to office@drilandfeeders.ca: “ATTN: Human Resources”.