Agricultural Assistant II - ISU Dairy

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

3d

About The Position

The Iowa State University Dairy is seeking a motivated and responsible Agricultural Assistant II to join our team in the daily care and management of the dairy herd. This position supports the farm’s operations, herd health, and research activities while contributing to a collaborative team dedicated to exceptional animal care, safety, and research excellence. What You’ll Do Perform daily milking procedures, maintain milking systems and sanitation, and monitor cow health, productivity, and milk quality. Observe cows for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior during milking and assist with basic animal care and treatments. Monitor herd health, reproduction, and biosecurity protocols to ensure animal well-being and regulatory compliance. Operate and maintain farm equipment and facilities, assisting with preventative maintenance and seasonal farm tasks. Perform feeding, cleaning of bedding packs and other tasks. Train and mentor student employees in safe and effective animal handling practices. Maintain accurate herd, health, and maintenance records. Support research, teaching, and other farm operations. Support seasonal operations such as snow removal, mowing, silage harvest, and grounds upkeep. Why You’ll Love This Job If you’re passionate about dairy farming, this role offers the chance to make a real impact. You’ll join a dedicated team supporting daily herd care, milking, and health management while contributing to agricultural research and student learning. Each day brings something new—whether assisting with calving, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting systems, or mentoring student workers. You’ll help ensure excellent animal welfare, efficient farm operations, and a safe, clean environment. If you value variety, teamwork, and meaningful work—and bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn—you’ll find this position both rewarding and impactful. Work Schedule Work hours generally align with milking times and may include early mornings (around 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) or later hours (around 5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.), along with a rotating weekend schedule.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

Nice To Haves

• Milking experience.
• Experience caring for and supporting dairy cattle.
• General knowledge of farm labor, equipment and machinery.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily milking procedures, maintain milking systems and sanitation, and monitor cow health, productivity, and milk quality.
• Observe cows for signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior during milking and assist with basic animal care and treatments.
• Monitor herd health, reproduction, and biosecurity protocols to ensure animal well-being and regulatory compliance.
• Operate and maintain farm equipment and facilities, assisting with preventative maintenance and seasonal farm tasks.
• Perform feeding, cleaning of bedding packs and other tasks.
• Train and mentor student employees in safe and effective animal handling practices.
• Maintain accurate herd, health, and maintenance records.
• Support research, teaching, and other farm operations.
• Support seasonal operations such as snow removal, mowing, silage harvest, and grounds upkeep.

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
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees