Agriculture OPT Jobs in Nebraska
Nebraska's agriculture sector is one of the largest in the U.S., with major employers like Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Cargill operating processing and production facilities across Omaha, Grand Island, and Lexington. F-1 OPT students in agriculture-related fields find meaningful opportunities here, particularly in food science, agronomy, and agricultural engineering roles that align with OPT's STEM and standard authorization categories.
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Get Access To All JobsLINCOLN PREMIUM POULTRY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Automation Technician
DATE: 6/2026
REPORTS TO: Automation Supervisor
STATUS: Non-Exempt
CORE VALUE COMMITMENT:
All employees will demonstrate our culture of commitment to quality, respect for fellow employees and business partners, and responsibility to the environment and our community.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the maintenance and technical support of automated and semi-automated manufacturing solutions for a high-volume poultry production facility. Troubleshoots equipment, repairs and maintains electrical controls, and identifies risk areas likely to cause equipment break-down. Performs preventive maintenance and trains other technicians and operators on products, processes and equipment.
DAILY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Troubleshoot control issues using PLC programming software such as but not limited to Studio5000. Allen Bradley Experience preferred, but other platforms are beneficial.
- Utilize all manner of hand and power tools to diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
- Troubleshoot and modify HMI and Scada systems.
- Troubleshoot network communication issues.
- Familiar with basic networking and networking terminology.
- Repair and maintain electrical controls on processing equipment and facility.
- Be able to proficiently use a multi meter and troubleshoot analog devices.
- Identify risk areas likely to cause equipment breakdowns, participate in projects improving equipment reliability, process improvement, lean manufacturing, and RCA.
- Download programs in the event of program loss or PLC replacement.
- Maintain software, documentation and equipment to the latest revision or operational specifications.
- Train technicians and operators on products, processes, and equipment.
- Organizes documentation, such as specifications schematics, and procedures.
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:
- MUST be comfortable and experienced utilizing hand and power tools of all varieties.
- MUST have basic knowledge and safety understanding of electrical components.
- Ability to work in a refrigerated environment ranging from 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ability to communicate in a courteous and professional manner with all plant employees, as well as third party vendors and contractors.
- Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including familiarity with automated industrial equipment such as conveyors, packaging, robotic cells, and assembly equipment.
- Knowledge of PLC’s and PLC programming including, ability to troubleshoot existing code, add to and modify existing programs, use and understand AOI’s, and program from scratch if needed.
- Understanding and comprehension of HMI and Scada software, Factory Talk View Studio ME or Ignition preferred, other platforms beneficial, ability to create new screens and objects, ability to modify existing screens and objects, ability to modify and understand “pop ups”.
- Knowledge of ethernet communication, including basic understanding of Ethernet communication, understanding of IP address schemes, subnets, VLans, knowledge of routers, etc., Ethernet/IP preferred, knowledge of other industrial protocols are beneficial.
- Knowledge of automated manufacturing principles and techniques.
- Ability to safely work around 480V equipment.
- Skill in troubleshooting and replacing VFDs, Allen Bradley preferred, experience on multiple brands beneficial, modifying parameters for different applications, backup and restore.
- Skill in reading, analyzing, and conveying electrical schematics.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
- MUST be able to pass required physical including demonstrating your ability to lift the required weight for each position.
- MUST be able to stand and/or walk for entire 8-hour shift.
- MUST wear correct job specific PPE as designated by company policy.
- Ability to consistently practice and enforce safe working habits.
- Ability to recognize safety risks and comply with all safety standards.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Degree in mechatronics or similar field of study plus 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment – recommended but not required.
- Experience in lieu of education will always be considered.
- Relevant technical certifications – Rockwell, Fanuc, Inductive Automation, etc.
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
LINCOLN PREMIUM POULTRY
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Automation Technician
DATE: 6/2026
REPORTS TO: Automation Supervisor
STATUS: Non-Exempt
CORE VALUE COMMITMENT:
All employees will demonstrate our culture of commitment to quality, respect for fellow employees and business partners, and responsibility to the environment and our community.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for the maintenance and technical support of automated and semi-automated manufacturing solutions for a high-volume poultry production facility. Troubleshoots equipment, repairs and maintains electrical controls, and identifies risk areas likely to cause equipment break-down. Performs preventive maintenance and trains other technicians and operators on products, processes and equipment.
DAILY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Troubleshoot control issues using PLC programming software such as but not limited to Studio5000. Allen Bradley Experience preferred, but other platforms are beneficial.
- Utilize all manner of hand and power tools to diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
- Troubleshoot and modify HMI and Scada systems.
- Troubleshoot network communication issues.
- Familiar with basic networking and networking terminology.
- Repair and maintain electrical controls on processing equipment and facility.
- Be able to proficiently use a multi meter and troubleshoot analog devices.
- Identify risk areas likely to cause equipment breakdowns, participate in projects improving equipment reliability, process improvement, lean manufacturing, and RCA.
- Download programs in the event of program loss or PLC replacement.
- Maintain software, documentation and equipment to the latest revision or operational specifications.
- Train technicians and operators on products, processes, and equipment.
- Organizes documentation, such as specifications schematics, and procedures.
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION:
- MUST be comfortable and experienced utilizing hand and power tools of all varieties.
- MUST have basic knowledge and safety understanding of electrical components.
- Ability to work in a refrigerated environment ranging from 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ability to communicate in a courteous and professional manner with all plant employees, as well as third party vendors and contractors.
- Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems, including familiarity with automated industrial equipment such as conveyors, packaging, robotic cells, and assembly equipment.
- Knowledge of PLC’s and PLC programming including, ability to troubleshoot existing code, add to and modify existing programs, use and understand AOI’s, and program from scratch if needed.
- Understanding and comprehension of HMI and Scada software, Factory Talk View Studio ME or Ignition preferred, other platforms beneficial, ability to create new screens and objects, ability to modify existing screens and objects, ability to modify and understand “pop ups”.
- Knowledge of ethernet communication, including basic understanding of Ethernet communication, understanding of IP address schemes, subnets, VLans, knowledge of routers, etc., Ethernet/IP preferred, knowledge of other industrial protocols are beneficial.
- Knowledge of automated manufacturing principles and techniques.
- Ability to safely work around 480V equipment.
- Skill in troubleshooting and replacing VFDs, Allen Bradley preferred, experience on multiple brands beneficial, modifying parameters for different applications, backup and restore.
- Skill in reading, analyzing, and conveying electrical schematics.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
- MUST be able to pass required physical including demonstrating your ability to lift the required weight for each position.
- MUST be able to stand and/or walk for entire 8-hour shift.
- MUST wear correct job specific PPE as designated by company policy.
- Ability to consistently practice and enforce safe working habits.
- Ability to recognize safety risks and comply with all safety standards.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Degree in mechatronics or similar field of study plus 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment – recommended but not required.
- Experience in lieu of education will always be considered.
- Relevant technical certifications – Rockwell, Fanuc, Inductive Automation, etc.
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Nebraska
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Search Agriculture Jobs in NebraskaAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Nebraska: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Nebraska?
Nebraska's largest agriculture employers with a track record of hiring international students include Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, and Nebraska Public Power District for agricultural energy operations. University-affiliated research operations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln also regularly hire F-1 OPT students in crop science and agricultural biotechnology. Sponsorship availability varies by role and facility, so confirming OPT acceptance with individual employers during the hiring process is important.
Which cities in Nebraska have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Omaha and Lincoln hold the highest concentration of agriculture-related F-1 OPT opportunities, anchored by corporate headquarters, food processing operations, and university research programs. Grand Island and Lexington are significant hubs for meat processing and food manufacturing roles. Norfolk and Hastings also have notable agribusiness presence. Lincoln's proximity to the University of Nebraska system makes it particularly active for research and agronomy-focused OPT positions.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Nebraska?
Roles that directly relate to a student's field of study qualify for F-1 OPT in Nebraska's agriculture sector. Common qualifying positions include food scientist, agricultural engineer, agronomist, crop research analyst, soil scientist, and animal nutritionist. STEM OPT extension applicants should confirm their degree falls under an approved STEM Classification of Instructional Programs code, as this determines eligibility for the 24-month extension beyond the initial 12-month OPT period.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Nebraska?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and other international students searching for visa-friendly jobs, including agriculture roles in Nebraska. You can filter by state, visa type, and industry to surface employers actively open to OPT candidates. Beyond Migrate Mate, connecting with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's career services office and attending regional agribusiness career fairs in Omaha and Lincoln can surface additional leads with employers already familiar with OPT authorization.
Are there any Nebraska-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students in agriculture?
Nebraska's agriculture industry is heavily tied to commodity cycles and seasonal hiring, which can affect the timing and duration of available OPT roles. Students pursuing STEM OPT extensions should verify that their employer has an active E-Verify enrollment, which is federally required for the 24-month extension. Nebraska also has a strong cooperative extension network through the University of Nebraska system, and roles within those programs may offer structured OPT-compatible positions in applied agricultural research.