Heavy Equipment Operator (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee scholarship programs

Retirement plans

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) in Ithaca, NE – seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator. The role involves operating trucks, skid-steers, scrapers, loaders, bulldozers, and road graders to support ENREEC facilities operations.

It is a full-time, on-site position with possible after-hours work. Requirements include a high school diploma plus one year of heavy equipment operation, and a valid driver’s license (CDL preferred).

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Operate all types of heavy equipment to maintain roads, grade surfaces, excavate, and snow removal.
• Perform basic repairs and maintenance on equipment.
• May be required to work after hours, on weekends, or holidays depending on weather or emergencies.

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Heavy Equipment Operator (Ithaca, NE)

Department

Department Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center-9750

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260744

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/23/2026

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) 10/09/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

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.

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

Posted Salary $26.05/hour minimum

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Jerome Masek, 402 624 8043

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

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

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Ithaca, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

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 the operation, maintenance, and/or repair of heavy equipment. Make sure to include the number of years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)