Sheep and Guardian Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, NE

Sheep and Guardian Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

Working Title
- Sheep and Guardian Dog Supervisor (Clay Center, NE)

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 and Guardian 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 guard dogs, 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.

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
• 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./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 as required. 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 - $20.50/hr minimum

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.

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

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

Required Documents Optional Documents