The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University seeks an Agricultural Specialist II to support research, demonstration, and teaching activities at the Horticulture Research Station and Hinds Memorial Farm, playing key role in planning and executing bulk crop production and research operations while maintaining equipment, facilities, and high standards for research compliance and safety.
Application Deadline
Closing Date: March 31, 2026
Posted: 3 Days Ago
Position: Regular 12-Month Full-Time
Apply early — don’t miss this university opportunity!
Why Iowa State University?
Research Excellence: Dynamic research environment with new challenges and experiences every day
Scenic Location: Work in setting that showcases Iowa State’s scenic agricultural landscape
Collaborative Team: Part of supportive team building technical skills and contributing to impactful research, teaching, and outreach
Professional Development: Hands-on experience with horticultural and agronomic crops, specialized equipment, innovative production practices
Position Overview
This Agricultural Specialist II role supports research, demonstration, and teaching activities at ISU’s Horticulture Research Station and Hinds Memorial Farm. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, principal investigators, farm leadership, students, and community partners to ensure efficient, safe, and research-compliant farm operations while providing operational leadership through budgeting, inventory management, long-term planning, and training of student employees.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Specialist at Iowa State University, you contribute to cutting-edge agricultural research advancing farming practices, work with precision agriculture and GPS technologies, mentor students in practical agricultural skills, support Iowa’s agricultural community through research and outreach, and work for prestigious land-grant university offering stable career and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Crop Production & Research Operations
- Plan, organize, and execute daily bulk crop operations in research setting
- Apply crop, pest, nutrient, and soil management principles supporting research activities
- Collaborate with principal investigators and farm leadership to manage and troubleshoot research plots
- Execute research protocols including crop establishment and termination, specialized applications, equipment modification
Equipment & Technology Management
- Operate, inspect, maintain, repair, and calibrate agricultural equipment, facilities, irrigation systems, high tunnels
- Install, operate, and maintain precision agriculture and GPS technologies
- Experience operating, maintaining, and modifying farm equipment including tractors, sprayers, combines
Data Management & Documentation
- Collect, record, and maintain accurate digital records related to field operations, equipment, maintenance, inventories, research activities
- Support research compliance and safety standards
- Maintain organized and efficient work environment
Outreach & Education
- Support outreach and public engagement efforts including leading farm tours
- Engage with stakeholders and community partners
- Provide training and mentoring to student employees
- Support teaching activities at research station
Operational Leadership
- Support budgeting, inventory management, and long-term planning
- Provide guidance to students and lower-level staff
- Lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
Required Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
- Valid Driver’s License (Special Requirement)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in an agricultural discipline
- Experience in field-based agricultural research and crop production
- Experience operating, maintaining, and modifying farm equipment (tractors, sprayers, combines, precision agriculture technologies)
- Experience with general farm maintenance including minor construction and facility upkeep
- Knowledge of irrigation system installation, operation, and maintenance
- Commercial pesticide applicators certification
Position Level & Authority
- Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills
- Working under general supervision to achieve goals
- Applies broad, working knowledge to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems
- Exercises judgment within defined procedures to determine appropriate action
- May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
- May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
- Provides guidance to students
About Iowa State University & Research Facilities
The ISU Horticulture Research Station, located just north of Ames, supports horticulture and sustainable agriculture research across 230 acres. The station provides hands-on environment for developing innovative agricultural practices and educating students and public, with facilities including field trials, demonstration gardens, and wide range of sustainable farming systems.
Application Requirements: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Process: Complete Employment Application with Resume/CV and Letter of Application/Cover Letter. Questions: employment@iastate.edu or 515-294-4800.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Graduates: With 2+ years field-based research or crop production experience
- Farm Equipment Operators: With precision agriculture and GPS technology experience
- Research Technicians: Seeking university research environment advancement
- Agricultural Professionals: Passionate about teaching, research, and outreach
- Pesticide Applicators: With commercial certification and compliance experience
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