Agricultural Assistant II

Iowa State University • Boone, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II to support daily operations and applied research at the Swine Nutrition Farm. This position plays a vital role in operations and research support, contributing to projects that advance swine nutrition and production practices. The Swine Nutrition Farm is a state-of-the-art research facility located approximately 4.5 miles northwest of campus. The farm includes a 480-head nursery, multiple grower-finisher rooms, specialized individual housing, metabolism facilities, and an on-site feed mill designed to produce precise research diets. Research conducted at the farm focuses primarily on nutritional studies across all stages of swine production and supports ongoing projects led by faculty and industry partners. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of animal care and research in a highly collaborative, hands-on environment that supports innovation in the pork industry.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• General agricultural laborer experience
• Experience operating agricultural equipment such as loaders, skid steers, or tractors
• Experience maintaining or cleaning livestock or agricultural facilities in accordance with sanitation or biosecurity protocols
• Experience tracking inventory and assisting with procurement of feed, supplies, or research materials
• Prior experience working in a team environment, including providing guidance or training to student employees or entry-level staff

Responsibilities

• Support research trials by coordinating activities, collecting and managing data, and ensuring compliance with study protocols
• Operate, clean, and maintain farm facilities, equipment, and research spaces to ensure safe, efficient, and biosecure operations
• Manufacture and manage feed using the on-site feed mill and assist with inventory and procurement of feed, supplies, and research materials
• Assist with animal movement, manure management, and overall facility sanitation
• Provide guidance to student employees and collaborate with farm staff and researchers to support multiple projects
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of farm operations and research programs

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees