Multispecies Livestock Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Scholarship programs

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for the Multispecies Livestock Hand at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska. This full-time position supports cattle, sheep, and swine research, with duties including weighing, sorting, animal health, and routine maintenance.

Evening and weekend hours are required; a valid driver’s license is mandatory to travel between sites. Prior agriculture experience is valued, and CDL may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus one year agriculture experience required; additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields, and pastures essential.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet UNL driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work with and around cattle, pigs, and sheep.
• Be responsible for weighing, sorting, and animal health.
• Perform daily maintenance of machinery and fences.
• Feed livestock in the winter.
• Help with hay in the summer.
• Assist with collection of research data.

Skills

Agriculture

Driver's license

Animal handling

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Multispecies Livestock Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

Working Title

Working Title Multispecies Livestock Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260422

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 05/29/2026

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) 06/10/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

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

As a Multispecies Livestock Hand, you will:

• Work with and around cattle, pigs, and sheep.
• Be responsible for weighing, sorting, and animal health.
• Perform daily maintenance of machinery and fences.
• Feed livestock in the winter.
• Help with hay in the summer.
• Assist with collection of research data.

This position requires 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.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock or beef industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.

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

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 diploma plus one year agriculture experience required; additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
• Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields, and pastures essential.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet UNL driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with large animals preferred but not required.

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

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Clay Center, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

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 agriculture, farming, or ranching, including both paid employment and unpaid experience (e.g., work on family operations). Please specify the number of years of experience you have in this field. (Open Ended Question)