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Cattle Ranch Hand Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Cattle Ranch Hand information

See Nebraska salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do cattle ranch hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cattle ranch hand in Nebraska is $16.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cattle ranch hands?

Cattle ranch hands are workers who assist with the daily operations of a cattle ranch. Their responsibilities typically include caring for livestock, feeding and watering cattle, repairing fences, maintaining equipment, and helping with tasks such as branding, herding, and sometimes assisting with calving. Ranch hands often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may also help with record-keeping or other general farm duties. The job requires physical stamina, practical skills, and a knowledge of animal husbandry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cattle Ranch Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cattle Ranch Hand, you need hands-on experience with livestock handling, basic animal health care, and general ranch maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as tractors, fencing tools, and sometimes herd management software is typically required. Strong work ethic, physical stamina, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and safety of livestock, efficient ranch operations, and successful collaboration with ranch owners and coworkers.

What are some common challenges faced by cattle ranch hands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Cattle ranch hands often encounter challenges such as working long hours in varying weather conditions, handling unpredictable livestock, and performing physically demanding tasks like feeding, herding, and fencing. Effective time management, teamwork, and maintaining a strong awareness of safety protocols are essential for handling these challenges. Many ranches provide on-the-job training and emphasize communication among team members to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Cattle Ranch Hand vs Livestock Worker?

AspectCattle Ranch HandLivestock Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some certifications optional
Work EnvironmentRanches, outdoor, physically demandingFarms, outdoor, similar physical demands
Industry UsagePrimarily cattle-focused ranchesVarious livestock farms including cattle, sheep, goats
Job TasksHerding, feeding, maintaining fencesFeeding, caring for livestock, cleaning pens

The main difference between a Cattle Ranch Hand and a Livestock Worker is the focus of their work. Cattle Ranch Hands typically work specifically with cattle on ranches, performing tasks like herding and fence maintenance. Livestock Workers may handle various types of farm animals across different farms. Both roles require outdoor work and physical effort, but the Cattle Ranch Hand role is more specialized in cattle management within the ranching industry.

What are popular job titles related to Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Nebraska? For Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Cattle Ranch Hand jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Cattle Ranch Hand job openings:
Cattle Ranch Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cattle Ranch Hand job openings in Nebraska as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 52% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,489 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Cattle Ranch Hand (Clay Center, NE)
Department
USMARC-0937
Requisition Number
S_260402
Posting Open Date
05/26/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
06/05/2026
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. beef, 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.
  • Assist with the collection of research data.

Position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Due to the size of the facility, a valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria 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 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?
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
  • A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
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 https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent plus one (1) year of experience with the care and management of cattle. Additional completed relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
  • Precision, accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to maintain equipment, machinery, fields and pastures.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

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 is 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
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
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

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