Forage Technician (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Clay Center (NE); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Scholarship programs

Retirement plans with university match

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a full-time Forage Technician at its Clay Center, NE facility. The role supports pasture monitoring and provides assistance in livestock management, requiring attention to detail and the ability to work in various conditions.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and experience in livestock or range management. Enjoy comprehensive benefits such as generous paid time off, medical insurance options, and scholarship programs for further education.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent experience with one year in livestock or range management.
• Knowledge of experimental or production animals and/or crops.
• Ability to monitor and improve pastures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Range & Forage Production Manager with pasture monitoring.
• Collect and summarize data on pasture quality and grazing utilization.
• Advise staff on grazing related issues.

Skills

Livestock management

Range management

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Farm machinery operation

Application of herbicides/fertilizers/insecticides

Job description

Overview

Working Title Forage Technician (Clay Center, NE) | Department USMARC-0937

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility located near Clay Center, NE. The work performed at USMARC supports research that is focused on solving high priority problems for the U.S. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Range & Forage Production Manager with pasture monitoring and pasture improvement programs.
• Collect, organize, and summarize data and samples to assess pasture composition, quality, and grazing utilization.
• Advise other staff members on issues related to grazing including environmental conditions and utilization data.
• Provide assistance to other operation areas including movement of cattle between pastures, farm and hay crews, and livestock management.

This position requires significant computer work, some evening and weekend hours, and work in inclement weather. 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
• Retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

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 Qualifications

• High school or equivalent experience, plus one year experience in livestock, range management, or related field required.
• Working knowledge of experimental or production animals and/or crops required.
• Knowledge of farm machinery/equipment operation, and application of herbicides/fertilizer/insecticides required.
• Precision, accuracy, attention to detail, and technical knowledge and ability necessary.
• Ability to plan and carry out maintenance/improvements of fields and pastures essential.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Associate’s in livestock or range management;
• Experience in ag production; monitoring and evaluating pasture, experience with progressive rotational grazing systems; and/or cattle/sheep husbandry.

Posted Salary: $18.00/hr minimum