Sheep Guard Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Sheep Guard Dog Supervisor to oversee livestock care and management at a large research facility. This role involves hands-on responsibilities such as feeding, health monitoring, and training livestock guardian dogs to ensure the safety and well-being of the flock. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal husbandry and behavior management, along with the ability to work irregular hours in various weather conditions. Join a supportive team that values professional growth and offers comprehensive benefits, making a significant impact in the agricultural research field.

Benefits

Ample paid time off

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Employee & dependent scholarship program

Generous retirement plans with university match

Qualifications

• Experience in livestock care and management, especially with sheep.
• Proficient in animal behavior observation and data collection.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sheep husbandry, including feeding and health monitoring.
• Retrain and acclimate livestock guardian dogs for flock protection.

Skills

Livestock care and management

Animal behavior observation

Data collection

Veterinary care

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate degree in animal science or agriculture

Tools

Livestock equipment

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Sheep Guard Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, 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: Sheep Guard Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

Department: USMARC-0937

Requisition Number: S_250292

Posting Open Date: 04/14/2025

Application Review Date: 04/25/2025 (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Description of Work

The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) is a 34,000-acre facility located 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 the Sheep Guard Dog Supervisor, you will:

• Assist with sheep husbandry, including feeding, health monitoring, and maintaining a clean environment to promote flock health.
• Retrain and acclimate adult livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), monitor behavior, and provide ongoing training to ensure effective protection of the flock.
• Bond and socialize puppies with the sheep flock, supporting their development and integration into protective roles.
• Provide routine veterinary care for both sheep and dogs, including vaccinations and treatment for health issues.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on sheep and dog health and behavior, ensuring accuracy and providing insights to researchers and management.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Due to the size of the facility, ability to travel between pastures and facilities is required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II. Within the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman, shepherd, or livestock guardian dog handler.

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

• High school diploma or equivalency plus four years’ experience in livestock care and management, with a focus on sheep. OR
• Associate degree in animal science, agriculture, or related field plus two years of experience in livestock care and management, with a focus on sheep. Additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), including training, behavior management, and care, as well as all aspects of sheep husbandry (e.g., feeding, lambing, health monitoring, and nutrition).
• Proficient in animal behavior observation and data collection, including tracking sheep and dog health, feeding patterns, and behavior. Strong attention to detail in maintaining accurate records.
• Must be able to operate and maintain livestock equipment and facilities.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform manual labor.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required: Yes

Physical Required: Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience with the care and management of sheep, including both paid and unpaid experience (e.g., work on family operations). Make sure to include the number of years of experience.
• * Please describe your experience with livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), including training, behavior, management, and care.