Farm Hand (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Insurance options

Scholarship programs

Retirement plans

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (ENREEC) in Ithaca, Nebraska is seeking a Farm Hand to support large-scale research on 3,000 acres of row crops. The role includes operating tractors, maintaining grounds, and assisting with irrigation and field activities, with irregular hours in inclement weather.

The position is categorized as Ag Research Technician I within UNL, offering strong benefits, paid time off, health coverage, retirement plans, and employee education programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with agricultural experience.
• Knowledge of basic agronomic principles for forage crops.
• Ability to operate and adjust agricultural field equipment and perform basic repairs.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors to transport supplies and harvested crops.
• Maintain facility grounds and roadsides.
• Perform routine farm equipment maintenance and repair.
• Conduct field activities for irrigated and dry-land crop production.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the facility.

Skills

Operate tractors

Grounds maintenance

Equipment maintenance

Irrigated crop production

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Working Title: Farm Hand (Ithaca, NE)

Department: Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center-9750

Description Of Work

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center ( ENREEC ) in Ithaca, Nebraska is a leading hub for agricultural research, education, and innovation. Spanning nearly 9,700 acres of row crops and pasture and home to over 6,000 research and teaching animals, ENREEC plays a vital role in advancing modern farming. ENREEC is located close to Fremont, Ashland, and Wahoo and is just 30 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln.

Farm Operations is responsible for approximately 3,000 acres of row crop production that supports large scale research and provides forage and feedstuffs to the animal science units located on the facility.

As a Farm Hand, you will:

• Operate tractors to transport supplies and harvested crops.
• Maintain facility grounds and roadsides.
• Perform routine farm equipment maintenance and repair.
• Perform field activities associated with irrigated and dry-land crop production.
• Perform other duties as assigned and dictated by the needs of the facility.

This position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Within the UNL system this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I.

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

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation at: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

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.
• Knowledge of basic agronomic principles used in the production of forage crops.
• Knowledge and ability to operate and adjust agriculture field equipment in addition to basic equipment maintenance and repairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• EPA non-commercial applicators license
• NRD certified nitrogen license

Posted Salary

$18.55/hour minimum