Animal Health Technician (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Scholarship programs for employees &/0

University retirement match

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Ithaca, NE is seeking an Animal Health Technician to oversee cattle health, grazing management, and data collection for beef research at ENREEC. The role involves daily observation, fence maintenance, and collaboration with supervisors.

This position requires outdoor work, irregular hours, and physical tasks; a background in animal science and cattle operations is preferred. Competitive benefits accompany this entry-level professional role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal or biological sciences with 1 year cattle ops experience; OR
• Associate degree with 3 years cattle ops experience; OR
• High school diploma with 5 years cattle ops experience.

Responsibilities

• Observe cattle daily for disease or injury and maintain health records.
• Manage cattle grazing pastures and crop residues.
• Plan cattle movements, grazing plans, and fencing projects with supervisors.
• Perform daily checks of fencing, feed, and water for cattle.
• Assist graduate students with data collection.
• Construct and maintain fences and cattle handling facilities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Horse riding ability

Valid driver\'s license

Basic computer skills

Lift 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree + cattle ops

Associate degree + cattle ops

High school diploma + cattle ops

Tools

Feed truck operation

Job description

Working Title Animal Health Technician (Ithaca, NE)

Department Animal Science-0830

Description of Work

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension, and Education Center (ENREEC) in Ithaca, NE is situated just 30 minutes from Omaha and Lincoln, close to Fremont, Ashland, and Wahoo. Beef research conducted at ENREEC includes the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, a state‑of‑the‑art, commercial‑scale feedlot research center.

As an Animal Health Technician, you will:

• Supervise and assist with daily observation of all cattle for disease or injury and maintain related health records.
• Supervise and assist with daily management of cattle grazing pastures or crop residues.
• Meet with supervisors to plan cattle movements, grazing plans, and fencing projects.
• Perform daily checks of fencing, feed, and water of grazing cattle.
• Assist graduate students with data collection.
• Construct and maintain fences, cattle handling facilities, and equipment.

Outdoor work environment and irregular hours required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician III.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage.
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education.
• Retirement plans with university match.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, biological science, or a related field plus one (1) year experience with cattle operations; OR
• Associate degree in animal science, biological science, or a related field plus three (3) years of experience with cattle operations; OR
• High school diploma or equivalency plus five (5) years of experience with cattle operations. Equivalent education/experience considered.
• Knowledge of animal health and ability to ride a horse necessary.
• Experience operating a feed truck and general farm equipment necessary.
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer skills required.Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

(None specified.)

Posted Salary $22.00/hr minimum