Beef Cattle Care Technician I (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarships

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center in Ithaca, NE seeks a Beef Cattle Care Technician I to join the livestock program. You will care for cattle at the Beef Research Feedlot, deliver feed, and operate farm equipment under supervision.

Outdoor work in varying weather and irregular hours is required. This is a full-time, regular staff role with benefits, casual environment, and opportunities to support research trials and student supervision.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of agricultural experience with care for livestock or operation of farm equipment.
• Ability to work around large animals and operate farm machinery.
• Good communication and basic computer skills; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Care for cattle at the Beef Research Feedlot and assist with feed delivery and equipment operation.
• Perform daily cattle assessments and checks on facilities; maintain and repair equipment and fences as needed.
• Assist with construction, cattle movements, and support graduate research trials.

Skills

Large animal handling

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

One year livestock care experience

Job description

Beef Cattle Care Technician I (Ithaca, NE)

Department

Animal Science-0830

Description Of Work

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center ( ENREEC ) in Ithaca, Nebraska is a leading hub for agricultural research, education, and innovation. Spanning nearly 9,700 acres of row crops and pasture and home to over 6,000 livestock animals, ENREEC plays a vital role in advancing modern farming. ENREEC is located close to Fremont, Ashland, and Wahoo and is just 30 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln.

As a Beef Cattle Care Technician I, you will:

• Be directly responsible for care of cattle at the Beef Research Feedlot. This may include maintaining healthy cattle to be used for nutrition-based research, proper and timely delivery of feed, and operate associated farm and feeding equipment. Specific duties assigned could vary based on needs of the unit and/or skills of the successful candidate.
• Perform daily assessments and treatment of cattle and complete checks on associated facilities (i.e. fences, feed, water, etc.). Maintain and repair equipment and fences as needed.
• Assist with general construction and maintenance of facilities, cattle movements and support graduate students with research trials.

Outdoor work in inclement weather and irregular hours are required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position may be referred to as a herdsman or feedlot hand.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. 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.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• 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
• Robust retirement plans with university match

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation at: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

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

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of paid or unpaid agricultural experience with providing care for livestock and/or operation and maintenance of farm and feeding equipment. Additional completed relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to work around large animals.
• Good communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Posted Salary

$18.55/hr minimum