Lead Feedlot Research Technician (Ithaca, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading agricultural research institution as a Lead Feedlot Research Technician, where you'll manage a dynamic beef unit and contribute to innovative research in animal science. This role offers the chance to oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the health and care of livestock while fostering a collaborative work environment. With a commitment to professional growth and a supportive culture, this position is ideal for those passionate about advancing agricultural practices. Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including paid time off and insurance options, as you make a meaningful impact in the field of animal science.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Scholarship Program

Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in agriculture or related field required.
• Excellent knowledge of cattle and animal health management.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the beef unit and supervise staff.
• Prepare work assignments and maintain equipment and facilities.

Skills

Cattle Management

Organizational Skills

Animal Health Care

Team Management

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Animal Science

Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Lead Feedlot Research Technician (Ithaca, NE)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.

Position Information

Working Title: Lead Feedlot Research Technician (Ithaca, NE)

Department: Animal Science-0830

Requisition Number: S_250257

Posting Open Date: 04/09/2025

Application Review Date: 04/23/2025 (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Description of Work

The Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center (ENREEC) is an integral hub of research and innovation, positioned at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research, education, and extension activities that address the challenges of modern farming. The site consists of approximately 9,663 acres with about half of the land base being row crops, both irrigated and non-irrigated, and half pasture. Over 6,000 livestock animals used for research and teaching reside onsite as well.

Beef cattle research conducted at ENREEC includes the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art, commercial-scale feedlot research center that opened in June 2024. ENREEC is located near Ceresco, Wahoo, Mead, and Ithaca, NE, within 30 minutes of both the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas.

As the Lead Feedlot Research Technician, you will:

• Be responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the Animal Science beef unit and its employees. The beef unit consists of 2,500 head of growing/finishing cattle.
• Prepare daily work assignments for staff members.
• Maintain equipment and facilities, prioritize beef unit projects, and supervise project completion.
• Supervise research projects including winter stalk grazing and summer pasture grazing trials.
• Be responsible for all aspects of the beef unit, including employee and student safety, conducting quality research, and animal health and care.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician III – Lead.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace—it’s the place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with a university match

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska’s preferred and largest employers where individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Any combination totaling five years of post-high school education and/or experience such as:
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus five years of agriculture or related experience, OR
  • Associate degree in animal science or related field plus three years of experience, OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field plus one year of technical/management experience in a feedlot required.
• Excellent working knowledge of cattle is a necessity.
• Experience must demonstrate the ability to identify sick animals and administer proper treatment; the ability to effectively organize and prioritize job assignments; the ability to organize shared equipment usage; and the ability to effectively manage employees and cooperate with other unit managers and employees.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
• Physical Required
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Criminal History Background Check Required

How to Apply

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Dawn Vogt
[e-mail]
402-472-5454

Job Category

Office/Service

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Location

Ithaca, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

No