Farm Hand (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarship

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) in Ithaca, NE, seeks a Farm Hand to support 3,000 acres of row crops and related operations. You will operate tractors, maintain facilities, perform equipment repairs, and assist with irrigation and crop production in all weather.

Expected duties include field activities, road maintenance, and other tasks as assigned, with irregular hours and possible evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus one year of experience in agriculture is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic agronomic principles used in forage crop production.
• Knowledge and ability to operate and adjust agricultural field equipment and perform basic maintenance.

Responsibilities

• 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 by the facility.

Skills

Agriculture knowledge

Equipment operation

Maintenance basics

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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 Farm Hand (Ithaca, NE)

Department

Department Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center-9750

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260806

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/06/2026

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) 10/26/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

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
• 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

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No
• 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 $18.55/hour minimum

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

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

Work Location (City, State) Ithaca, NE

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 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 list the agricultural equipment you have experience using. Include make, model, and year. (Open Ended Question)