Position Title:Agricultural Specialist II
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Special Required QualificationsDrivers License
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in agricultural discipline.
Experience in field-based agricultural research and crop production.
Experience operating, maintaining, and modifying farm equipment, including tractors, sprayers, combines, and 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.
Job Description:
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. This position plays a key role in planning and executing bulk crop production and research operations, as well as maintaining equipment, facilities, and high standards for research compliance and safety.
Key Responsibilities include:
+ Plan, organize, and execute daily bulk crop operations in a research setting
+ Apply crop, pest, nutrient, and soil management principles to support 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, and equipment modification
+ Operate, inspect, maintain, repair, and calibrate agricultural equipment, facilities, irrigation systems, and high tunnels
+ Install, operate, and maintain precision agriculture and GPS technologies
+ Collect, record, and maintain accurate digital records related to field operations, equipment, maintenance, inventories, and research activities
+ Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment
+ Support outreach and public engagement efforts, including leading farm tours and engaging with stakeholders
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. The role also provides operational leadership through support of budgeting, inventory management, long-term planning, and the training and mentoring of student employees.
Why Join Us
This role offers a dynamic research environment with new challenges and experiences every day. You’ll gain hands-on experience with horticultural and agronomic crops, specialized equipment, and innovative production practices that extend beyond standard farm operations. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team and work in a setting that showcases Iowa State’s scenic agricultural landscape, while building technical skills and contributing directly to impactful research, teaching, and outreach.
The ISU Horticulture Research Station, located just north of Ames, supports horticulture and sustainable agriculture research across 230 acres. The station provides a hands-on environment for developing innovative agricultural practices and educating students and the public, with facilities that include field trials, demonstration gardens, and a wide range of sustainable farming systems.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
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: January 29, 2026
Posting Close Date:February 15, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18517
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.