Job Description

Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Working Title - Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Department - USMARC-0937

Requisition Number - S_260672

Posting Open Date - 08/19/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) - 08/28/2026

Open Until Filled - Yes

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. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries. As a Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:

• Provide variety of basic agricultural duties to support research and production activities at an agricultural research facility in the beef livestock production area.
• Provide general care and husbandry for approximately 800-1200 cattle.
• Maintain machinery and fences.
• Assist with pasture management and the collection of research data.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between pastures and facilities required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician I. In the livestock industry, this position is sometimes referred to as a herdsman or cowboy.

Note: Sponsorship 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
• Robust retirement plans with university match

Minimum Required Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalency plus one year livestock production 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.

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. - No

Criminal History Background Check Required - Yes

Posted Salary - $18.55/hr minimum

How to Apply - Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that on file.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact - Sheila Trampe sheila.trampe@usda.gov

Job Category (old) - Office/Service

Job Type - Full-Time

Work Location (City, State) - Clay Center, NE

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

If Temporary, indicate end date

Appointment End Date

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please describe your experience with the care and management of livestock animals, including both paid and unpaid experience (e.g., work on family operations). Make sure to include the number of years of experience.

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