Livestock Operations Coordinator

Description

Livestock Operations Coordinator

National Western | Denver, CO

About National Western

We are National Western—an organization rooted in more than 120 years of history and driven by a mission to strengthen American agriculture through education, youth development, and community connection. We are stewards of the Western way of life, grounded in the values of courage, pride, integrity, grit, and loyalty. Each January, we bring this mission to life through the legendary National Western Stock Show—one of the world’s premier Western lifestyle, rodeo, and livestock entertainment events—welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the globe. Beyond the Stock Show, we operate The Legacy, a world-class, year-round destination for events, experiences, and cultural connections in the heart of Denver. We are more than an event—we are a brand that lives at the intersection of heritage and culture, shaping how Western lifestyle shows up in the modern world.

Position Summary

The Livestock Operations Coordinator plays a critical role in planning, coordinating, and executing livestock events and competitions for the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Agriculture Events & Competitions, this position supports the Livestock Department's year-round operations while helping deliver one of the nation's premier livestock exhibitions each January.

This role serves as a key liaison between NWSS staff, breed associations, exhibitors, judges, volunteers, interns, and industry partners to ensure world-class livestock events and an exceptional exhibitor experience. The Coordinator is responsible for a broad range of operational, administrative, and event management functions, including livestock entries, exhibitor communications, competition logistics, inventory management, special events coordination, and on-site livestock show operations.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. A passion for agriculture, livestock, and youth development, along with a commitment to customer service and operational excellence, is essential

Reports to: Executive Director of Agriculture Events and Competitions

Duties & Responsibilities

Livestock Show & Competition Operations

• Coordinate and manage livestock show entries, exhibitor records, class breaks, show schedules, and competition logistics.
• Assist in the planning and execution of all livestock shows, sales, and related events during the National Western Stock Show.
• Support barn and facility operations, including livestock movements, barn turnovers, space assignments, and exhibitor accommodations.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless event execution and an exceptional participant experience.
• Maintain accurate livestock records and assist with the development and implementation of departmental procedures, timelines, and operational plans.

Breed Association & Industry Relations

• Serve as a primary point of 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 positive working relationships with exhibitors, breed officials, judges, superintendents, sales managers, volunteers, and industry partners.
• Provide professional, responsive, and solutions-oriented customer service to all stakeholders.

Exhibitor Services & Program Administration

• Process exhibitor entries, DNA orders, and related documentation while ensuring accuracy and compliance with established deadlines.
• Prepare and distribute exhibitor packets, credentials, passes, badges, back numbers, and related show materials.
• Respond promptly and professionally to livestock-related inquiries and provide timely resolutions or referrals as needed.
• Support the administration and ongoing improvement of exhibitor-facing processes and communications.

Catch-A-Calf Program Support

• Oversee participant communications and recordkeeping for the Catch-A-Calf Program.
• Coordinate monthly participant calls, educational clinics, and program-related events.
• Assist with planning and execution of calf presentation events and participant recognition activities.
• Support program goals that promote youth involvement, leadership development, and agricultural education.

Inventory, Logistics & Administrative Support

• 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 to ensure readiness for all livestock events.
• Attend livestock committee meetings, prepare accurate meeting minutes, and distribute records to stakeholders.
• Maintain departmental files, databases, and operational documentation.

Leadership & Team Support

• Assist with the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of livestock department interns during the National Western Stock Show.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to interns while helping ensure a meaningful educational experience.
• Work collaboratively with the Vice President of Agriculture & Event Experience, Executive Director of Agriculture Events & Competitions, volunteer leadership, and cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals.
• Contribute ideas and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and stakeholder  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Requirements

Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Event Management, or a related field, or 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Physical Demands

National Western Complex is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor commercial and agricultural complex where dusty conditions and animals may exist. While performing the duties of this job, work is performed both indoors and outside in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, snow, wind, and rain, on varied surfaces. In this role, individuals will experience prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Incumbent must be able to lift 15 pounds and access/navigate the National Western Complex in its entirety, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Scheduling Requirements

While the schedule for this position is primarily a four-day work week taking place between Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm between February and November and a five-day work week for December and January, there will be certain occasions in which early morning, late evening, weekend, or holiday availability will be required to perform the essential functions of this position. Like almost all NWSS team members, this position will need to be on-site every day during Stock Show, typically for 12 hours at a time. 

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time salaried/exempt position.
• Compensation for this position will include a base salary starting at $62,500 annually
• Full-time employees qualify for partially paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and life for the employee; family coverage is available at group rates.
• Voluntary benefits include Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability, and Hospital Indemnity.
• 100% paid Long-Term Disability.
• Paid sick leave and vacation time.
• Upon meeting plan qualifications, a competitive 401(k) retirement plan is available with up to 7% matching.

WSSA/NWSS is a drug & alcohol-free employer with a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.

WSSA/NWSS is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Job Posting Close Date

11/17/2026; open until filled