Livestock and Farm Operations Technician; Sidney, NE

Livestock and Farm Operations Technician (Sidney, NE)

Working Title
- Livestock and Farm Operations Technician (Sidney, NE)

Department
- Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center-0942

Requisition Number - S_260208

Posting Open Date - 03/25/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) - 04/22/2026

Open Until Filled
- Yes

Description of Work
- The High Plains Ag Lab (HPAL) in Sidney, NE is a satellite unit of the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. Our mission is to improve the profitability of dryland crop and livestock production through applied research responsive to the needs of local producers. HPAL covers 2,400 acres, one-third in dryland crop rotations and two-thirds in pasture. As the Livestock and Farm Operations Technician, you will:

• Provide dual research support for both Cow-Calf/Range Management Specialist and High Plains Ag Lab (HPAL) Farm Manager.
• Work with and care for cattle used primarily in cow-calf/range programs including feeding, administer medications, assisting with sample collection from animals and range/grassland areas, and collecting and managing data.
• Maintain fences, watering systems, and feeding equipment and assisting graduate students with research.
• Perform or assist HPAL staff with all aspects of dryland farming from planting to harvest, performing equipment maintenance, and maintaining detailed records.
• Irregular hours and working in inclement weather may be required seasonally.
• Position is located in Sidney, Nebraska. Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driving criteria required. Must obtain commercial driver's license within six months of employment. In the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II.

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

Minimum

Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalency plus 4 years of experience with care and management of cattle and/or crop production; OR Associate degree in related field plus 2 years of experience with care and management of cattle and/or crop production; OR Bachelor's degree in related field. Experience with operation and maintenance/routine service of cropping (i.e. tilling, planting, spraying, and harvesting) and cattle equipment, tractors, pickups and 4-wheelers.

Basic computer experience for email, data entry, and record keeping. Ability to haul cattle and equipment; work safely and comfortably with and around livestock; maintain, repair, and build fencing and animal watering systems;
Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driving criteria required. CDL or ability to obtain commercial driver's license within six months of employment.

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.

- Yes

Criminal History Background Check Required
- Yes

Posted Salary - $20.00/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
- Danna Walker, danna.walker

Job Category (old) - Office/Service

Job Type
- Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5) - weekends and evenings may be required seasonally

Work Location (City, State) - Sidney, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? - Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date