Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska; Clay Center (NE); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Clay Center, NE seeks a Cattle Ranch Hand to support research and production activities at USMARC. You will provide basic agricultural duties, care for 800-1200 cattle, and help maintain equipment and fences while assisting with pasture management and data collection.

Irregular hours and inclement weather are required. A valid driver’s license and compliance with UNL driver eligibility are needed; CDL may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to perform basic agricultural duties and maintain equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and meet university driver eligibility requirements are required.
• CDL may be required; DOT pre-employment and random testing apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide a variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility.
• Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 800-1200 cattle.
• Maintain machinery and fences.
• Assist with pasture management.
• Assist with the collection of research data.

Skills

Cattle care

Equipment maintenance

Pasture management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260716

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/31/2026

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) 09/09/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center ( USMARC ) is a 34,000-acre facility near Clay Center, NE. All work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep, and swine industries.As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:

• Provide a variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility in the beef livestock production area.
• Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 800-1200 cattle.
• Maintain machinery and fences,
• Assist with pasture management
• Assist with the collection of research data.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather is required. Due to the size of the facility, a valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria is required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.

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.

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

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 plus one year experience with the care and management of cattle; equivalent education/experience considered.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures essential.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet university driver eligibility requirements.

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

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience working with livestock, including both paid employment and unpaid experience (e.g., work on family operations). Make sure to include the number of years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)