03/09/2026
Are you looking for hands-on ranch work with the long-term stability and benefits of university employment?
The Ranch Technician is a full-time role supporting daily cattle operations, maintenance of facilities and equipment, and agricultural research on a working Sandhills ranch. This position is well suited for experienced ranch hands who enjoy physical outdoor work, value rural living, and prefer being part of a small, dependable team where experience is trusted and each person’s work matters.
Onsite housing is provided, allowing you to live and work on the ranch with no daily commute.
As a Ranch Technician, you will:
-Provide daily care and handling of cattle, including feeding, health monitoring, and assisting with cattle movements and working facilities
-Maintain and repair ranch facilities, fences, vehicles, and equipment
-Assist with data collection and support for ongoing livestock and rangeland research projects
-Help monitor ranch grounds and facilities and assist with emergency response as needed
-Work collaboratively with ranch and research staff to support safe and efficient operations
This is true ranch work and includes the demands typical of livestock operations including irregular work hours, physical labor, and year-round outdoor work in all weather conditions. In the livestock industry, this position may also be referred to as a herdsman, ranch hand, or cowboy.
About Us
The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) is a working cattle ranch and research facility located in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, near Whitman, NE, and within reach of Hyannis, Mullen, and Thedford. Spanning portions of Grant, Ho**er, and Cherry counties, GSL serves as a real-world research operation focused on improving sustainable livestock production and rangeland management practices that directly benefit ranchers across Nebraska and the Great Plains.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work 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 real impact in Nebraska.
When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:
-Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
-Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
-Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
-Generous retirement plans with university match
Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, s*x, pregnancy, s*xual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
