Beef Cattle Care Technician II (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Insurance options

Retirement plans

Scholarship programs

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln seeks a Beef Cattle Care Technician II to manage cattle care at the ENREEC feedlot and assist with nutrition-based research tasks. The role requires outdoor work, variable hours, and coordination with graduate students and farm staff.

Located in Ithaca, NE, this full-time position emphasizes animal care, equipment maintenance, and compliance with safety protocols. UNL offers strong benefits and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience caring for livestock; farm operations knowledge.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet driver eligibility requirements.
• Able to work irregular hours and in inclement weather.

Responsibilities

• Care for cattle at the Beef Research Feedlot, including grazing, movements, feed delivery and general health.
• Maintain feedlot facilities and equipment, including fences and machinery.
• Assist graduate students with research trials and related feedlot tasks.

Skills

Livestock care

Animal husbandry

Equipment maintenance

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Farm equipment

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Beef Cattle Care Technician II (Ithaca, NE)

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

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 Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Working Title Beef Cattle Care Technician II (Ithaca, NE)

Department

Department Animal Science-0830

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260794

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/28/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/13/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

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 II, you will:

• Be directly responsible for care of cattle at the Beef Research Feedlot. This may include managing cattle grazing pastures, assisting in movements of cattle, managing feed ingredients, proper and timely delivery of feed, and maintaining healthy cattle to be used in nutrition-based research. Specific duties assigned could vary based on needs of the unit and/or skills of the successful candidate.
• Perform maintenance on feedlot facilities and equipment including building fences, repairing broken machinery, etc.
• Assist graduate students with relevant research trials and perform other related feedlot tasks as necessary.

Outdoor work in inclement weather and irregular hours are required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II.

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
• High school diploma or equivalent plus four years of paid or unpaid agricultural experience in providing care for livestock and/or operation and maintenance of farm and feeding equipment. Additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to work around large animals and general knowledge of animal health and/or basic animal husbandry.
• Knowledge of farm equipment use and maintenance.
• Good communication skills and basic computer skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in adverse weather conditions.
• Obtain Beef Quality Assurance certification and UNL’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee certification upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required

Physical Required Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Ithaca, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience providing care for livestock and/or operating and maintaining farm and feeding equipment including both paid and unpaid experience (i.e. work on family operations). Make sure to indicate the number of years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Swsan Baapir, HR/Payroll Coordinator