Ag Specialist II - Field Operations

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

The Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University seeks an Agricultural Specialist II – Field Operations to support research, demonstration, and teaching activities. This position is responsible for maintaining research and demonstration plots, operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, and supporting facilities and events at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) Farm and associated research sites. The position works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and researchers to coordinate field activities and ensure work is completed in accordance with established protocols, safety procedures, and project timelines. The successful candidate will contribute to efficient and accurate field operations while supporting a safe, organized, and well-maintained research environment. In this role, you will be a key part of the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL), a 25-acre research and demonstration farm with more than 300 plots each year. You will be actively engaged with a variety of crops, trials, and field activities, with the freedom to manage plots, explore how the space is used, and shape the experience for researchers, students, and visitors. The position offers independence to run day-to-day operations and make the farm your own, supported by resources and collaboration when needed. If you enjoy variety, ownership, and seeing your work come to life, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic research farm. 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 is a term position with opportunity for renewal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Pesticide applicator’s certification
• Experience operating farm or plot-scale research equipment, including tractors, sprayers, planters, and utility vehicles
• Experience working with research plots, including planting, maintenance, and harvest operations
• On-farm crop production experience or hands-on agricultural experience

Responsibilities

• Maintain research and demonstration plots according to established protocols, including planting, mowing, cultivation, fertilization, and harvest preparation
• Operate tractors, mowers, sprayers, planters, utility vehicles, and other farm or plot-scale equipment
• Assist with plot layout, measurement, labeling, documentation, and trial setup
• Support weed, pest, and residue management
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs on agricultural equipment, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure equipment meets safety and operating standards
• Assist with snow removal, mowing, trimming, and general grounds maintenance
• Support FEEL Farm events and field days, including setup, teardown, and cleanup of event spaces and equipment

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees