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Build a Successful Career in Kearney, NE

Thanks to a diverse and growing economy here, you can find the right job opportunity (and the off days are wonderful, too!)

By Heather Cherry on January 4, 2022

Kearney Regional Medical Center
Kearney Regional Medical Center

Kearney and Buffalo County offer a diverse economy that includes key industry sectors in health and medical care, higher education and advanced manufacturing. The region’s vibrant economy added nearly 2,000 jobs between 2010 and 2019, a gain of 9.3%.

No matter the stage of career you’re in, you can find great jobs in Kearney. And this region in Nebraska offers affordability, a range of living options, plenty of outdoor opportunities and a wealth of things to do off the job.

Jobs in Kearney Are on the Rise

The region’s vibrant economy added nearly 2,000 jobs
between 2010 and 2019, a gain of 9.3%.

Leading Industries in Kearney

Kearney is the corporate home of Buckle, a leading retailer of medium to better-priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories, and Cash-Wa Distributing Co., a major food distribution operation. The region has deep roots in agriculture, making it a vital agribusiness center. Eaton Corporation’s Kearney operations make precision-forged and machined engine valves and gears for several market sectors, including agriculture.

Kearney is also home to Chief Industries. The Chief Agri division was founded in 1961 and has grown to offer a full line of grain and commodity storage, aeration, and material handling products. There are many opportunities for a wide range of skills.

“We have positions available throughout our organization,” says Stacey Weaver, administrative manager at Chief Agri. “There are openings in engineering, supply chain management, accounting and sales. We’re always looking for skilled welders, toolmakers, maintenance mechanics and computer numerical control (CNC) operators. In addition, we have our aeration line that requires electric knowledge. From entry-level to professional positions, we have a range of opportunities waiting for you.”

Health care and education are also significant industries in the Kearney region. CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital and Kearney Regional Medical Center are among the region’s largest employers. With more than 2,000 employees, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is another large employer in the area.

Morris Printing Group in Kearney, NE
Morris Printing Group

Signature Businesses in Kearney

One of the community’s signature businesses is Morris Press, a mainstay in Kearney since 1933. The multigeneration family business is the largest cookbook publisher in the nation.

“My great-grandfather purchased the Hub Printing Co. in 1933. Upon his death, my grandfather took over. I am the fourth generation,” says Ryan Morris, vice president of operations at Morris Printing Group. “We have been family owned since 1933. In the 1980s, we began a cookbook publishing division. Since then, we’ve become the largest cookbook publisher in the nation for community cookbooks and diversified into the student planner industry.”

Remaining a staple in the Kearney community since their origination is an integral part of their business. But Morris Press may have more to offer than just a job. “We have a neat culture among our employees and a fun work environment. It’s dynamic, and we’re always looking to innovate. It’s a fun place to work,” Morris says.

In addition to an exhilarating atmosphere, Morris Press has a gamut of career opportunities for those in operations or creative fields. The company employs a number of creatives, including artists and graphic designers.

“But we also have machine operator openings for printing presses and bindery positions available,” Morris says. “Marketing, graphic design and production are generally our three biggest needs. In addition, we always have openings in customer service because we do a lot of phone support for our sales and cookbooks and in School Mate.”

Yanney Park in Kearney, NE
Kirstina Kouma

Natural Resources

From health care to manufacturing and agriculture to creative industries, Kearney can support you in all stages of your career. Another perk of this vibrant community is the natural resources you could utilize on your lunch break.

“I love that Kearney has a lot of public space; it’s also an immaculate and safe community,” Weaver says. “We’re centrally located to many large cities like Lincoln, Omaha and Denver. That’s a real draw for us. We also have a great hike and bike trail system. Kearney is a cool community. Once you experience it, it becomes home. It’s a great place to live and work, and a great place to visit.”

You Can Get There From Here

Kearney Regional Airport keeps residents connected with twice-daily nonstop flights to Denver International Airport and one nonstop flight to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. All flights are aboard United Express. Before the pandemic cut travel in 2020, Kearney Regional set its all-time annual enplanement record with 21,269 passenger trips in 2019. Airport services include free Wi-Fi, a comfortable terminal building, free parking, short security lines, quick baggage checks and car rentals.

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