Sheep Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Sheep Ranch Hand at the USMARC facility in Clay Center, Nebraska. The role focuses on care of livestock, feeding, observation, and maintenance of sheep facilities.

This position requires working irregular hours and weather, travel between locations onsite, and a valid driver's license; CDL preferred. The department emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on ranching experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus one year of ranch/farm experience required. Additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
• Knowledge of farm machinery and equipment operation necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for care of livestock to include feeding, observation, and treatment of sheep population.
• Service and maintain equipment and buildings in the sheep facilities.
• Maintain the sanitation of sheep facilities.

Skills

Precision, accuracy and attention to**

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Sheep Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department

Department USMARC-0937

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260644

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/10/2026

Application Review Date

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/19/2026

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. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries.

As a Sheep Ranch Hand, you will:

• Be responsible for care of livestock to include feeding, observation, and treatment of sheep population.
• Service and maintain equipment and buildings in the sheep facilities.
• Maintain the sanitation of sheep facilities.

Irregular hours and work in inclement weather is required. Ability to travel between locations onsite is required. In the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position may be referred to as a herdsman or shepherd.

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
• Robust retirement plans with university match

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 or equivalent plus one year of ranch/farm experience required. Additional relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Precision, accuracy and attention to detail necessary.
• Knowledge of farm machinery and equipment operation necessary.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driving requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with sheep and other livestock 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

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End 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)