Position Title:Agricultural Specialist II – Beef Nutrition Farm
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related field
Experience operating agricultural equipment and handling beef cattle in a feedlot or research setting
Demonstrated knowledge of cattle health management, including disease prevention and treatment protocols
Supervisory or team leadership experience, including training or oversight of student workers or farm staff
Experience working in a teaching or research farm environment with a focus on safety, protocol adherence, and student development
Job Description:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist II to support the Beef Nutrition Research Farm in the Department of Animal Science. This position plays a critical role in the daily operation and research functions of a feedlot facility that supports cutting-edge animal science research, hands-on student learning, and industry-relevant production practices.
The Agricultural Specialist II will manage the beef cattle herd, including health, feeding, and bedding, support research protocols, and oversee student employees. The role requires technical expertise in cattle production and nutrition, familiarity with research procedures, and the ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment.
Responsibilities include:
+ Manage daily feedlot operations to ensure optimal animal care and research compliance
+ Oversee and train undergraduate and graduate student employees in operations, safety, and animal handling practices
+ Formulate, mix, and deliver experimental rations and maintain accurate records of feed delivery, cattle performance, and animal health
+ Operate and maintain specialized equipment including tractors, feed mills, skid steers, and trucks used in cattle care and feed preparation
+ Monitor cattle health, diagnose illness, administer treatments, and coordinate with veterinarians and researchers on herd health protocols
+ Operate feedlot and ration management software for reporting and documentation
+ Participate in farm budgeting, inventory management, and procurement of feedstuffs and supplies
+ Review and recommend updates to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
This position requires a high level of independence, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and research excellence.
Level Guidelines- Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals- Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems- Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests- May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff- May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity- Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS806
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: July 3, 2025
Posting Close Date:July 10, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R17331
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
