Cattle Ranch Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL); Nebraska; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Robust retirement plans with company/m

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's USMARC-0937 in Clay Center, NE, seeks a Cattle Ranch Supervisor to oversee daily cattle care, pasture planning and data collection. The role involves hands-on husbandry for 800–1200 cattle, equipment maintenance, and coordination of grazing plans in a research setting.

Irregular hours and weather required; travel between pastures is expected. Supervisory duties for 1–4 staff may be needed, with CDL and driving record checks noted as part of preferred

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4 years beef livestock experience.
• Associate degree in animal science or related field with 2 years beef livestock experience.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures.

Responsibilities

• Provide a variety of basic to skilled 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.
• Oversee daily health care, perform artificial insemination, palpation for pregnancy, and care during calving as needed.
• Assist with or develop a grazing plan for the land area using a rotational grazing scheme.
• Provide occasional supervision for 1-4 employees.

Skills

Beef cattle care

Pasture management

Equipment maintenance

Data collection

Education

High school diploma or equivalent plus 4 years beef livestock experience

Associate degree in animal science or related field plus 2 years beef livestock experience

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Cattle Ranch Supervisor (Clay Center, 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 Cattle Ranch Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260901

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/05/2026

Application Review Date

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) 11/16/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center ( USMARC ) is a 34,000-acre facility 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 Supervisor, you will:

• Provide a variety of basic to skilled 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.
• Oversee daily health care, perform artificial insemination, palpation for pregnancy, and care during calving as needed.
• Assist with or develop a grazing plan for the land area using a rotational grazing scheme.
• Provide occasional supervision for 1-4 employees.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Travel between pastures and facilities required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II. In the livestock industry, this position may be referred to as a Cattle Barn Manager, Herdsman, or Cowboy.

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

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 equivalency plus four (4) years of beef livestock production experience, OR

Associate degree in animal science or related field plus two (2) years of beef livestock production experience. 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

Job Category

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location

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

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)

• * Please detail your cattle equipment operation experience.

  (Open Ended Question)