Position Title:ERD Welder
Job Group:Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:- Four years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship.
Preferred Qualifications:Class A CDL License
Job Description:
The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) at Iowa State University is seeking an ERD Welder to join their team! This position is responsible for fabricating and welding custom metal equipment to support field research operations. You will also operate, calibrate, and maintain agricultural machinery while implementing research protocols and collecting precise experimental data.
About You / Why This Role Is Exciting:
The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) is a small, highly efficient team with a long-standing legacy and significant contributions to agriculture in Iowa and beyond. This role connects you to a historic organization that has led seed certification since 1942 and operates one of the world’s most respected yield trial programs, founded in 1919 by Henry Wallace. ICIA’s work comes full circle: helping farmers make informed decisions, supporting crop improvement, and providing scholarships funded by some of the university’s largest endowments. You will have the opportunity to work with two unique programs and be part of a team that values hands-on work, quality, and innovation, making this a deeply rewarding role.ICIA is a nonprofit organization designated by Chapter 177 of the Iowa Legislature as Iowa’s official seed certifying agency. Through its seed certification and crop performance testing programs, ICIA advances agricultural science, directly supports farmers, and helps cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
– Builds experimental equipment in accordance with blueprints, sketches or verbal instructions.
– Designs and prepares the joints as appropriate for type of material and use.
– Welds structural steel and pipe, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium.
– Cuts steel shapes accurately using hand or automatic oxygen-acetylene torch.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
– Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
– Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in the trade.
– Ability to interpret and follow instructions and specifications such as blueprints, manuals, sketches and work orders.
– Ability to operate safely and care for tools, machines and equipment.
– Ability to perform a broad and varied range of welding tasks with precise attention to detail.
– Ability to lift or maneuver up to 100 pounds.
– Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with equipment assembly.
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.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:6321a
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: March 2, 2026
Posting Close Date:March 11, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18736
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.
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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.