Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE) Working Title - Feedlot Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department:
USMARC-0937 Requisition Number - S_260537 Posting Open Date - 07/14/2026 Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) - 07/24/2026 Posting Close DateOpen Until Filled - YesDescription 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. beef cattle, sheep, and swine industries. As a Feedlot 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 6,500 head at the feedlot. Maintain pens, machinery and fences. Collect research data. Experience in the care and riding of horses preferred but not required. Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Travel between feeding locations and facilities is 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 pen rider or feed truck driver.
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 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
- 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.
Minimum Required Qualifications - High school diploma plus one year beef livestock production experience required; equivalent education/experience will be considered. Precision, accuracy, and attention to detail necessary. Ability to maintain and operate equipment associated with feedlot operation. Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications are preferred but not required: Ability to care for, saddle, and ride horses to sort individual animals from groups in a feedlot pen setting. Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required - YesPhysical Required - YesCommercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. - NoCriminal History Background Check Required - YesPosted 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.govJob Category (old) - Office/Service
Job Type: Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5) Work Location (City, State) - Clay Center, NEPosition funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? - NoIf Temporary, indicate end date Planned Hire Date: Appointment End Date Supplemental Questions* 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
