Agricultural Specialist II
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
5 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Agricultural Specialist IIJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree and 2 years of related experienceSpecial Required Qualifications
Drivers LicensePreferred Qualifications:
Bachelors 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. Youll gain hands-on experience with horticultural and agronomic crops specialized equipment and innovative production practices that extend beyond standard farm operations. Youll be part of a collaborative supportive team and work in a setting that showcases Iowa States 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:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS806Application 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 29 2026Posting Close Date:
February 8 2026Job Requisition Number:
R18517Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- GIS
- Engineering
- Engineering Practices
- Data Collection
- Irrigation Systems
- Agriculture
- CAD
- GPS
- Water Quality
- Biology
- Nursery
- Emergency maitenance
- Technical Assistance
- Watetr conservation
- Agricultural Equipment
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
