Ag Specialist III Farm Operator (AG 450 Farm)
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Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Ag Specialist III - Farm Operator (AG 450 Farm)Job Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree and 5 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in agricultural discipline.Practical experience in crop and/or livestock production systems preferably in row crop and swine operations.
Experience with agricultural financial management including budgeting cost tracking input purchasing and operational decision-making for farm operations.
Experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment including tractors planters combines and related implements.
Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certification.
Job Description:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist III to support the operations teaching mission and management of the Iowa State University Ag 450 Farm. This position plays a key role in crop and livestock production facilities and equipment maintenance employee supervision and hands-on instruction of students enrolled in the AGEDS 4500 capstone course. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty students and industry partners to support a real-world experiential learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day crop and livestock production activities including feeding herd health animal movement crop field operations and safe application of fertilizers pesticides and other agricultural inputs.
Maintain accurate livestock and crop production records
Plan and support crop operations including selection of crop varieties and input application rates in compliance with soil water and environmental regulations.
Oversee schedule and support student farm workers
Oversee routine maintenance of farm buildings facilities machinery and equipment including maintenance records and inventories.
Coordinate with AGEDS 4500 students to implement the farm management plan assign and supervise laboratory responsibilities and support experiential learning activities.
Assist the Professor-in-Charge with course delivery curriculum development and student evaluation.
Collaborate with faculty staff industry partners vendors and input suppliers to support farm operations and instructional goals.
Support educational tours outreach and public relations activities at the farm.
Why This Role Matters
This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a working farm while shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals. You will be at the center of a highly respected experiential learning program working closely with students as they plan make decisions and operate a real-world row crop and swine operation. Your leadership will directly impact both farm performance and student development.
As a key operator of the Ag 450 Farm you help make the system workfrom production and logistics to people and technology. The farm is a model operation utilizing modern equipment and evolving technologies including John Deere systems integrated into the curriculum within a culture that values innovation stewardship and continuous improvement.
Beyond daily operations this position offers strong professional connectivity through close collaboration with faculty and extensive relationships with industry partners. For those passionate about hands-on farming mentoring students and advancing modern production agriculture this role provides meaningful impact and long-term professional fulfillment.
Low-cost on-farm housing may be available for this position.
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
Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISUs mission and department or work unit goals
Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
Responds to complicated inquiries provides training and provides direction to lower-level staff
May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e. leads a small work team)
May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
Provides guidance to students
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS807Application 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 or call or Toll Free: 1-.
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 14 2026Posting Close Date:
January 26 2026Job Requisition Number:
R18466Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Animal Care
- Growing Experience
- Farm Machinery
- Physiology Knowledge
- Management Experience
- Animal Husbandry
- Agriculture
- Apache Pig
- Farming
- Irrigation
- Production Management
- Financial Management
About Company
Attending Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) can be a whirlwind experience for some. ISU is a public land-grant institution offering higher education courses and programs with an emphasis on science, technology, and related areas. It's also home to the Cyclones athl ... View more
