Farm Equipment Operator (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Farm Equipment Operator in Ithaca, NE, where you will play a crucial role in supporting agricultural research and operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on a diverse 9,663-acre site, managing both crop and livestock operations. With a commitment to professional growth and a supportive work environment, this role promises ample paid time off, comprehensive insurance options, and retirement plans. If you're passionate about agriculture and eager to make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Employee Scholarship Program

Generous Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• Associate's degree plus two years of agricultural experience or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of farm machinery and crop production materials.

Responsibilities

• Support farming and research operations at ENREEC.
• Operate heavy equipment and perform agricultural production tasks.

Skills

Agricultural Experience

Farm Machinery Operation

Pesticide Applicator's License

Commercial Driver's License

Equipment Maintenance

Education

Associate's Degree in Agriculture

High School Diploma

Tools

Precision Agricultural Hardware

Spreadsheet Software

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 Farm Equipment Operator (Ithaca, NE)

Department

Department Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center-9750

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_250302

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 04/21/2025

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) 05/20/2025

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center ( ENREEC ) is located near Ithaca, Mead, Wahoo, and Ceresco, NE and within 40 minutes of both the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. The site consists of approximately 9,663 acres with about half of the land base being row crops, both irrigated and non-irrigated, and half pasture. Over 6,000 livestock animals used for research and teaching reside onsite as well.

As the Farm Equipment Operator, you will:

• Provide support to ENREEC farming and research operations.
• Be responsible for carrying out agricultural production operations, including planting, fertilizing, pest control, row crop and forage harvest, yield monitoring, research protocol harvest, and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with hauling of commodities as needed.
• Operate heavy and snow removal equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Position requires obtaining an EPA Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License and Commercial Driver’s License within 90 days of employment. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace—it’s the place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with a university match

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska’s preferred and largest employers where individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ .

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus two years of commercial or family farm-based agricultural experience; equivalent experience/education considered; OR
• High school diploma or equivalency plus four years of agricultural experience.
• Working knowledge of farm machinery/equipment operation and application of crop production materials.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Associate’s degree in agriculture or related technology.
• Precision agricultural hardware, apps, and methods experience.
• Commercial Driver’s License.
• Spreadsheet software experience.

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

Posted Salary Salary commensurate with education and experience

How to Apply

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

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5) Evenings and weekends may be required seasonally

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? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your years of agriculture experience including family farm and commercial ag:

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please list agricultural equipment you have used including year and model:

  (Open Ended Question)