Position Title:Agricultural Assistant II

 

 

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

 

 

Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:General agricultural laborer experience

Experience operating agricultural equipment such as loaders, skid steers, or tractors

Experience maintaining or cleaning livestock or agricultural facilities in accordance with sanitation or biosecurity protocols

Experience tracking inventory and assisting with procurement of feed, supplies, or research materials

Prior experience working in a team environment, including providing guidance or training to student employees or entry-level staff

 

 

Job Description:

Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II to support daily operations and applied research at the Swine Nutrition Farm. This position plays a vital role in operations and research support, contributing to projects that advance swine nutrition and production practices.

 

The Swine Nutrition Farm is a state-of-the-art research facility located approximately 4.5 miles northwest of campus. The farm includes a 480-head nursery, multiple grower-finisher rooms, specialized individual housing, metabolism facilities, and an on-site feed mill designed to produce precise research diets. Research conducted at the farm focuses primarily on nutritional studies across all stages of swine production and supports ongoing projects led by faculty and industry partners.

 

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of animal care and research in a highly collaborative, hands-on environment that supports innovation in the pork industry.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Support research trials by coordinating activities, collecting and managing data, and ensuring compliance with study protocols

• Operate, clean, and maintain farm facilities, equipment, and research spaces to ensure safe, efficient, and biosecure operations

• Manufacture and manage feed using the on-site feed mill and assist with inventory and procurement of feed, supplies, and research materials

• Assist with animal movement, manure management, and overall facility sanitation

• Provide guidance to student employees and collaborate with farm staff and researchers to support multiple projects

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of farm operations and research programs

 

Why Join Iowa State University Animal Science?
The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State is nationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and extension, with strong connections to the pork industry and access to modern, well-equipped research farms. Staff in this role contribute directly to impactful research that advances animal agriculture while working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

 

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
• Career-level position demonstrating proficiency and knowledge of related competencies
• Works under direct to general supervision and may receive guidance on more complex assignments
• Follows established procedures for work assignments, and completes assignments which are semi-routine and may be atypical in nature
• Applies thorough knowledge to respond to inquiries and requests
• Able to resolve most problems and issues and respond to requests without escalation
• Provides guidance to students
• May provide supervision to one to two other staff or lead a small work team

 

 

Appointment Type:Regular

 

 

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

 

 

Time Type:Full time

 

 

Pay Grade:PS805

 

 

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 Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If 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 31, 2026

 

 

Posting Close Date:April 13, 2026

 

 

Job Requisition Number:R18898