Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

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

Department - USMARC-0937

Posting Open Date - 04/30/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) - 05/11/2026

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. All 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 Cattle Ranch Hand, you will:

• Provide a 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 assist with the collection of research data.
• Irregular hours and work in inclement weather required. Travel between pastures and facilities required.

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: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us: Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work? UNL is consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming, supportive culture and outstanding benefits. As a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:

• Generous leave benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options: medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Tuition assistance through employee and dependent scholarship programs
• Retirement plans with university matching contributions
• A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Discover more about working at UNL: As an EO 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

Minimum Required Qualifications - High school diploma plus one year of experience with the care and management of cattle required; equivalent education/experience considered. 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 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. - No

Criminal History Background Check Required - Yes

Posted Salary - $18.00/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, View email address on click.appcast.io

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

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

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

Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents