Heavy Equipment Operator (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ithaca (NE); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) in Ithaca, NE seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to maintain roads, perform grading, excavate and remove snow, and support other ENREEC Facilities Operations trades.

Work may include after hours, weekends, or holidays. The role is based at UNL's ENREEC and offers training, stable full-time employment, and access to comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• High school plus one year of experience in heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment to maintain roads, perform grading, excavate and remove snow, and support ENREEC Facilities Operations trades.
• Manage equipment such as trucks, skid-steers, scrapers, loaders, bulldozers, and road graders, and perform basic repairs.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Maintenance & repair

Valid driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Surveyor's tools

GIS mapping

Job description

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center ( ENREEC ) in Ithaca, NE 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, Wahoo, Yutan, Ceresco, and Mead and is just 30 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln.

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will:

• Operate all types of heavy equipment to maintain roads, perform grading, excavate and remove snow, and support other ENREEC Facilities Operations trades.
• Equipment includes trucks, skid-steers, scrapers, loaders, bulldozers, and road graders.
• Maintain and perform basic repairs of all heavy equipment.

This position may be required to work after hours, on weekends, or on holidays, depending on weather and emergency work.

About Us

Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work?

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
• Retirement plans with university match
• A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Learn more about UNL benefits and your total compensation: 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 Required Qualifications

• High school plus one year of experience in heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and repair. Equivalent education/experience considered.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Ability to perform minor repairs of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge, skills, and ability to use surveyors’ tools.
• Experience with GIS locating and mapping.