Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Feedlot Hand at the USMARC facility in Clay Center, NE. The role involves providing a variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and beef production activities.

You will care for approximately 6,500 head, maintain pens, machinery and fences, and may work irregular hours in inclement weather. Experience with cattle is preferred; a valid driver’s license is required and a CDL may be needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus one year beef livestock production experience required; equivalent education/experience will be considered.
• Precision, accuracy, and attention to detail necessary.
• Ability to maintain and operate equipment associated with feedlot operation.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide variety of basic 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 6,500 head at the feedlot.
• Maintain pens, machinery and fences.

Skills

Beef livestock production experience

Attention to detail

Equipment operation

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260537

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 07/14/2026

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) 07/24/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center ( USMARC ) is a 34,000-acre facility near Clay Center, NE. All 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 Feedlot Hand, you will:

• Provide variety of basic 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 6,500 head at the feedlot.
• Maintain pens, machinery and fences.

Experience in the care and riding of horses preferred but not required. Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between feeding locations and facilities is required.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a pen rider or feed truck driver.

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 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 plus one year beef livestock production experience required; equivalent education/experience will be considered.
• Precision, accuracy, and attention to detail necessary.
• Ability to maintain and operate equipment associated with feedlot operation.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Ability to care for, saddle, and ride horses to sort individual animals from groups in a feedlot pen setting.

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 (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

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

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 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)