Beef Cattle Care Technician I (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Beef Cattle Care Technician I in Ithaca, NE to join the Animal Science-0830 team. You will oversee the care of cattle at the research feedlot, ensure timely feed delivery, and operate related farm equipment while supporting research trials.

Outdoor work in variable weather and irregular hours is required. The role may be referred to as a herdsman or feedlot hand within UNL, and offers a path to professional growth and comprehensive benefits.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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