Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Northern (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a Cattle Ranch Hand at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE. This full-time, on-site role supports research and livestock production with hands-on duties across care, maintenance, and data collection.

The successful candidate will handle 800-1200 cattle, assist with pasture management, and maintain equipment and fences. Irregular hours and travel between pastures are required; CDL may be preferred per qualifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and one year livestock production experience required.
• 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 UNL driver eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide 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 and the collection of research data.

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Description of Work

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

As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:

• Provide 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 and the collection of research data.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between pastures and facilities 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 positon.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 or equivalency plus one year livestock production experience required; additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• 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 UNL driver eligibility.

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

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location (City, State) Clay Center, NE

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience with the care and management of livestock animals, 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)