Temporary Pen Rider Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Information
Position Information
EEO Statement
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 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 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

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 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
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
$18.55/hr minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that 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