Ag Equipment Operator
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) in Ithaca, Nebraska is a leading hub for agricultural research, education, and innovation. Spanning nearly 9,700 acres of row crops and pasture and home to over 6,000 research and teaching animals, ENREEC plays a vital role in advancing modern farming. ENREEC is located close to Fremont, Ashland, and Wahoo and is just 30 minutes from Omaha or Lincoln.
Farm Operations is responsible for approximately 3,000 acres of row crop production that supports large scale research and provides forage and feedstuffs to the animal science units located on the facility.
As an Ag Equipment Operator, you will:
- Operate and maintain farm and research equipment such as combine, planter, baler, and trucks.
- Serve as a primary sprayer applicator.
- Oversee and be responsible for planting, treatment, and harvest of row crop and forage crop production.
- Coordinate field operations of people, trucks, and equipment.
- Be responsible for installation and operational support of yield monitoring equipment, GIS/GPS, equipment auto guidance, and other electronic equipment.
- Collect, organize, and report data associated with research and production crops.
- Operate heavy and snow removal equipment.
This position requires irregular hours and work in inclement weather. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician II.
About Us:
Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming, supportive culture and outstanding benefits.
As a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:
- Generous leave benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
- Comprehensive insurance options: medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
- Tuition assistance through employee and dependent scholarship programs
- Retirement plans with university matching contributions
- A workplace culture that values your time outside of work
Discover more about working at UNL:https://go.unl.edu/aboutus
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent plus four (4) years of experience in commercial or family-farm based agriculture; OR
- Associate degree in agriculture or related field plus two (2) years of experience in commercial or family-farm based agriculture. Additional completed relevant education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Working knowledge of farm machinery/equipment operation and application of crop production materials.
- Ability to obtain an EPA Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license within 90 days of employment.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications are preferred but not required:
- Associate degree in agriculture or related field.
- Experience with precision agricultural hardware, apps, and methods.
- Spreadsheet experience for data collection and management.
Compliance Requirements:
If selected for this position and a verbal offer is accepted, the final written offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of the following required pre-employment check(s):
- Pre-placement physical
- Criminal history background check
- Driving record review
Information at a Glance
Req Id:
1677
Campus Name:
NU Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources (IANR)
Org Unit:
Eastern NE Rsch & Ext Center IANR
Job Location:
Ithaca, NE 68033
Application Review Date:
12/8/25
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Advertised Salary:
$20.00/hour minimum
Job Type:
Full-Time
Worksite Eligibility:
On-site
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:
Tyler Frederick, Asst. Farm Mgr. - 402 624 8021
Special Instructions to Applicant:
Click on "Apply Now". Create or login to account. If current employee, click on Employee login.
Posting Start Date:
11/10/25