Agricultural Specialist III ISU Dairy
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Posted on:
Yesterday
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Agricultural Specialist III - ISU DairyJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree and 5 years of related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Experience in dairy farm production.Experience managing herds and herd health.
Experience managing or leading cattle breeding programs to include conducting research studies and documenting data.
Supervisory or Team Lead experience.
Job Description:
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist III to oversee the daily operations of the ISU Dairy Farm and Dairy Research and Teaching Unit. Home to approximately 400 lactating cows and 400 heifers the farm produces and ships nearly 29000 pounds of milk per day to Prairie Farms while supporting nationally recognized research teaching and extension programs.
The Agricultural Specialist III serves as the senior operational leader for herd management reproduction programs dairy production systems and coordination of animal care at the ISU Dairy. This role ensures compliance with university state and federal standards while advancing research and teaching initiatives. The position supervises student employees maintains high standards of animal welfare and production efficiency and provides leadership across all aspects of dairy operations.
Key Responsibilities include:
Lead all aspects of herd health and animal care including preventive programs treatment protocols calving biosecurity and compliance with IACUC FARM Program and university state and federal standards.
Oversee and optimize milking and production systems to ensure milk quality parlor efficiency sanitation and accurate production recordkeeping.
Manage feeding and nutrition programs in coordination with nutritionists ensuring ration accuracy feed quality and equipment functionality.
Direct the herd reproduction program including heat detection synchronization artificial insemination and monitoring of reproductive performance metrics.
Oversee and train full-time and student employees; develop SOPs create work schedules and maintain a safe professional work environment.
Maintain accurate herd health production and compliance records; prepare reports and use data to drive continuous operational improvement.
Support faculty and student research teaching laboratories tours and outreach activities to advance the universitys land-grant mission.
Why This Role Is Unique
In this role you will work closely with faculty and researchers who are advancing dairy science at the forefront of the industry. A large majority of the herd is involved in active research studies spanning reproduction nutrition physiology and emerging technologies. The research conducted at ISU Dairy is widely published and contributes directly to industry innovation and best practices.
You will have the opportunity to operate within one of the larger and more research-intensive university dairy programs in the regionwhere cutting-edge technology data-driven decision-making and practical production management intersect daily. This environment brings both exciting challenges and meaningful impact offering you the chance to lead a progressive operation that influences the dairy industry nationally while mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous retirement contributions paid time off and affordable health prescription and dental insurance. Located in Ames Iowanamed one of Livabilitys Top 100 Best Places to Livethe community offers a vibrant economy excellent schools cultural attractions and extensive parks providing an exceptional quality of life.
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:
February 19 2026Posting Close Date:
March 1 2026Job Requisition Number:
R18676Required 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
