The Fort Worth Herd Is Hiring Cattle Drivers

The famous Fort Worth Herd cattle drive has opened up job applications for full- and part-time drovers.

The Fort Worth Herd is a cattle drive that takes place each day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. down East Exchange Avenue in the city’s Stockyards National Historic District.

Drovers for the herd are primarily responsible for reenacting historic cattle drives through the Fort Worth Stockyards but are also in charge of caring for the animals, operating work vehicles (tractors, trailers, loaders, etc.), and entertaining and educating visitors, according to a description of job duties and expectations.

Driving cattle for the Fort Worth Herd is highly fulfilling, according to Kristin Jaworski, a trail boss since 2002.

“It is the most rewarding experience that you could imagine because these visitors are coming from all over the world,” said Jaworski, according to the WFAA. “It’s such a unique, prestigious position” because “we get to work outside with these beautiful animals every single day, and we’re an ambassador from horseback.”

“It truly is a dream job for most of us,” Jaworski added.

Drovers are being offered a starting pay rate between $16 and $20 per hour based on experience.

“Start part-time, with the opportunity for full-time, which will include benefits,” the job application says. “Flexible work schedules as Drovers are needed during the week as well as the weekends and holidays.”

The Fort Worth Herd was established as the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive in 1999 and has since grown into one of Texas’ biggest attractions, attracting thousands of local and out-of-state visitors to East Exchange Avenue in Fort Worth for the historical recreation.

The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive consists of six full-time drivers and 17 Texas Longhorn cattle, representing the city’s 170-year history. The cattle drive features authentic nineteenth-century garments with historically accurate details, from the saddles and chaps to the boots and hats.

Although the application is open to anyone 18 years of age or older with a passion for animals and history, the Fort Worth Herd is seeking a preferred candidate with a background in horseback riding, cattle handling, and public relations activities, according to the job application.

“We are truly looking for people that know how to ride horses that may be familiar with cattle,” said Jaworski, per WFAA. Horses, tack, and clothing will be provided to chosen applicants.

Job applications to be a drover for the Fort Worth Herd must be filled out online and emailed to [email protected].