Posted:
6/10/2026, 4:06:47 AM
Location(s):
Iowa, United States ⋅ Ames, Iowa, United States
Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level
Field(s):
Product
The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking a dedicated and dependable Agricultural Assistant II to join its teaching, research, and production dairy farm. This position supports daily herd management, animal care, milking operations, and research activities while contributing to the university's mission of advancing dairy science and educating future agricultural professionals.
Depending on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and interests, there may be opportunities to assume additional responsibilities and contribute to specialized areas of dairy operations, research, and teaching activities.
What You'll Do
Perform daily feeding, milking, and care of dairy cattle while following animal welfare and biosecurity practices.
Monitor animal health and behavior, report concerns, and assist with treatments, calving, and herd health activities.
Clean, sanitize, and maintain milking equipment, feeding systems, and livestock facilities.
Safely handle and move cattle using low-stress livestock handling techniques.
Operate and maintain farm equipment, including tractors, skid steers, loaders, mixers, and trucks.
Maintain records related to animal health, production, and equipment maintenance.
Train and assist student employees and work closely with farm staff, faculty, and industry partners.
Support research, teaching, seasonal farm operations, grounds maintenance, and other related duties.
Contribute to special projects and other responsibilities based on operational needs and the successful candidate's skills, experience, and interests.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will be dependable, safety-minded, and comfortable working in a physically demanding agricultural environment. Candidates should be able to work around large animals, operate farm equipment safely, work both independently and as part of a team, and adapt to changing farm priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
Milking experience
Experience caring for and supporting dairy cattle.
General knowledge of farm labor, equipment, and machinery.
Why Join Us?
At Iowa State University, you'll contribute to a nationally recognized teaching and research dairy operation while helping educate future agricultural professionals and supporting innovative research that advances the dairy industry. This position offers hands-on work in a collaborative environment where animal care, learning, and operational excellence are valued every day.
Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.
Work Schedule
This position offers a primarily daytime work schedule. Depending on assigned duties, some early morning work may be required. Staff share responsibility for a rotating weekend schedule.
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.
This position will remain open until filled.
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:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
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
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Website: https://www.iastate.edu/
Headquarter Location: Ames, Iowa, United States
Employee Count: 5001-10000
Year Founded: 1858
IPO Status: Private
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Education ⋅ Sporting Goods ⋅ Sports ⋅ Universities