Farm Hand (Clay Center, NE)

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

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Farm Hand at the USMARC facility in Clay Center, Nebraska. This role supports irrigated forage production, including tillage, planting, irrigation and harvesting, and provides routine equipment maintenance and repair.

You may assist other operations such as livestock feeding, fence work, and facility maintenance. Irregular hours and inclement weather are expected; a valid driver’s license is required to travel between sites.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of experience in agriculture.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and perform basic repair of agricultural field equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet UNL driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform all activities associated with irrigated forage production including tillage, planting, chemical applications, irrigation and harvesting operations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and repair.
• Assist other operational areas including livestock feeding, fence installation/repair, and building/facility maintenance.

Skills

Agriculture experience

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Information

Working Title Farm Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number S_260421

Posting Open Date 05/29/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 06/10/2026

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.

• Perform all activities associated with irrigated forage production including but not limited to tillage, planting, chemical applications, irrigation and harvesting operations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and repair.
• Assist other operational areas including but not limited to livestock feeding and care, fence installation and repair, building /facility maintenance.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Due to the size of the facility, a valid driver’s license is required to travel between sites.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I.

Note: Sponsorships 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 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

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 equivalent plus one year of experience in agriculture. Additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and perform basic repair of agricultural field equipment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet UNL 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

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 Type

Full-Time

Work Location (City, State)

Clay Center, NE

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience with agriculture or farming, including both paid and unpaid experience (e.g., work on family operations). Please specify the number of years of experience you have in this field.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience operating and maintaining farm machinery.

  (Open Ended Question)