Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarship

Retirement plans with university match

Workplace culture that values yourtime

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Cattle Ranch Hand at the USMARC facility near Clay Center, Nebraska. The role supports research and beef livestock production through hands-on cattle care, pasture management, and equipment maintenance.

You will work irregular hours in varying weather, handle 800-1200 cattle, and must meet university driver eligibility. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license; CDL and background

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED , or equivalent plus one (1) year of experience with the care and management of cattle.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Cattle care

Observation & record keeping

Ability to work in inclement weather

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Valid driver’s license

CDL (preferred)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260402

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 05/26/2026

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) 06/05/2026

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.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. 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.

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us

Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work?

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
• Retirement plans with university match
• A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

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, GED , or equivalent plus one (1) year of experience with the care and management of cattle. Additional completed relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

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

Administrative Notes

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Clay Center, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

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

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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

  (Open Ended Question)