Ag Specialist III - Farm Operator (AG 450 Farm)

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

3d

About The Position

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.

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 work—from 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's 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 Applicator’s Certification.

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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

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