Livestock Operations Coordinator

The Western Stock Show Association • Denver, CO

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Livestock Operations Coordinator plans, coordinates, and executes livestock events and competitions for the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), while supporting the Livestock Department’s year-round operations. The role is a key liaison among NWSS staff, breed associations, exhibitors, judges, volunteers, interns, and industry partners, helping deliver well-run livestock events and a positive exhibitor experience. The position reports to the Executive Director of Agriculture Events and Competitions.

Responsibilities span livestock entries and records, exhibitor communications, competition and facility logistics, inventory and procurement, special-event coordination, and on-site livestock show operations. The Coordinator also supports the Catch-A-Calf Program, maintains departmental documentation, and assists with recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervising interns. The position calls for strong organization, attention to detail, customer service, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This is a full-time salaried, exempt position. The schedule is primarily four days per week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from February through November, and five days per week in December and January. Early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required. During the Stock Show, the position is on-site daily, typically for 12 hours at a time. Work takes place indoors and outdoors in varied weather and on varied surfaces; dusty conditions and animals may be present. The role includes prolonged desk and computer work, lifting up to 15 pounds, and navigating the National Western Complex.

The starting base salary is $62,500 annually. Full-time employees qualify for partially paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for the employee, with family coverage available at group rates; voluntary benefits include accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and hospital indemnity coverage. Long-term disability is fully paid. Paid sick leave and vacation time are provided, and eligible employees may participate in a 401(k) plan with up to 7% matching. The employer has a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana, and offers are contingent on a successful criminal background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Event Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the livestock industry, livestock exhibitions, agricultural events, or youth agriculture programs.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays, particularly during the National Western Stock Show and other events.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds and access and navigate the National Western Complex, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with livestock shows, breed associations, fairs, rodeos, or agricultural organizations.
• Familiarity with livestock entry systems and event management software, preferably ShoWorks.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, interns, or seasonal event staff.
• Working knowledge of multiple livestock species and industry practices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage livestock show entries, exhibitor records, class breaks, schedules, and competition logistics.
• Assist with planning and executing livestock shows, sales, and related National Western Stock Show events.
• Support barn and facility operations, including livestock movements, barn turnovers, space assignments, and exhibitor accommodations.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support event execution and participant experience.
• Maintain livestock records and assist with departmental procedures, timelines, and operational plans.
• Serve as a primary contact for more than 20 breed associations and their representatives.
• Coordinate entries, corrections, scheduling updates, premium payouts, rule modifications, sales activities, and special-event requests.
• Build and maintain working relationships with exhibitors, breed officials, judges, superintendents, sales managers, volunteers, and industry partners.
• Provide responsive customer service and resolve or refer livestock-related inquiries.
• Process exhibitor entries, DNA orders, and related documentation in accordance with deadlines and requirements.
• Prepare and distribute exhibitor packets, credentials, passes, badges, back numbers, and other show materials.
• Support the administration and improvement of exhibitor-facing processes and communications.
• Oversee participant communications and recordkeeping for the Catch-A-Calf Program.
• Coordinate monthly participant calls, educational clinics, and program events.
• Assist with calf presentation events and participant recognition activities.
• Manage procurement, inventory, and distribution of awards, ribbons, banners, signage, office supplies, passes, credentials, and other event materials.
• Coordinate production and tracking of operational materials for livestock events.
• Attend livestock committee meetings, prepare minutes, and distribute records to stakeholders.
• Maintain departmental files, databases, and operational documentation.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervising livestock department interns during the National Western Stock Show.
• Guide and mentor interns and support their educational experience.
• Work with agriculture and event leadership, volunteer leadership, and cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals.
• Contribute ideas and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder service.
• Work extended hours, weekends, or holidays when needed, and be on-site daily during the Stock Show.

Benefits

• Partially paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for the employee; family coverage is available at group rates.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, short-term disability, and hospital indemnity benefits.
• 100% paid long-term disability.
• Paid sick leave and vacation time.
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 7% matching, upon meeting plan qualifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level