Mesonet Technician

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a Mesonet Technician to manage environmental monitoring equipment across Nebraska. This full-time role involves installing weather stations, performing maintenance, and ensuring accurate data collection. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and strong communication skills, with a commitment to working outdoors in varying conditions.

Benefits

Ample paid time off

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Employee & dependent scholarship program

Generous retirement plans

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus one year of experience.
• Effective communication skills and proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to travel for up to 5 days at a time.

Responsibilities

• Install and calibrate weather stations and equipment.
• Perform maintenance to ensure data continuity.
• Engage with landowners and clients.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Ability to lift 50+ pounds

Ability to operate hand/power tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Engineering, Electronics or related field

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

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

Position Information

Working Title

Department

Department School of Natural Resources-0844

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_250374

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 05/14/2025

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) 06/12/2025

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Nebraska Mesonet operates more than 70 stations in 49 counties to monitor the environment. These observations include air and soil temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, solar radiation, and soil moisture.

As a Mesonet Technician, you will:

• Install new weather stations and instrumentation and calibrate the equipment as needed
• Perform weather station instrumentation and field maintenance to ensure data continuity
• Diagnose equipment issues and coordinate repair and service
• Keep accurate data of work performed and required maintenance
• Engage with landowners and clients to maintain and foster relationships
• Wire and/or program dataloggers and sensors

Job requirements include the ability to work outside, operate power and hand tools safely, and lift 50+ pounds on a regular basis. Attention to detail and quality of work performed, along with the ability to travel within Nebraska for periods of up to 5 days at a time, is also required.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Engineering, Electronics or other appropriate technical field plus one year environmental monitoring equipment or related experience. Equivalent education/experience considered.
• Experience must demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to operate MS Office suite.
• Ability to lift and carry 50+ pounds on a regular basis and climb ladders.
• Experience safely operating hand/power tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.
• Ability to travel out of town for up to 5 days in a row on a regular basis, especially from May – October.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience working outside in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Experience operating heavy equipment (e.g., skid steer) and driving truck with trailer.
• Experience working unsupervised on projects in remote locations.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technical skills (e.g., wiring electronics, programming dataloggers, and performing data quality checks)

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

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

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) Occasional evenings and/or weekends

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, 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 detail your experience with environmental monitoring equipment, including years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please detail your working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

  (Open Ended Question)