Agricultural Specialist II - Beef

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist II to support the daily operations of the Beef Nutrition and Beef Teaching Farms, nationally recognized facilities dedicated to advancing beef cattle research, teaching, and production. This position plays a critical role in supporting research and instructional programs by overseeing cattle operations, ensuring exceptional animal care, maintaining research integrity, and collaborating with faculty, researchers, veterinarians, and students. The successful candidate will combine strong livestock management experience with technical expertise in beef cattle production, nutrition, animal health, research operations, and agricultural equipment. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to innovative beef nutrition research while mentoring students and supporting the university's land-grant mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated hands-on experience managing daily cattle operations in a commercial or research beef production setting.
Experience evaluating cattle condition, feed intake, and performance, and formulating, mixing, and delivering cattle diets to optimize animal health, welfare, and productivity.
Experience with cow/calf production, including calving, reproductive management, and herd health practices.
Experience operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing agricultural equipment such as tractors, skid steers, feed mixers, and other livestock production machinery.
Working knowledge of cattle health management, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), biosecurity practices, IACUC requirements, and livestock safety standards.
Experience training or leading employees or student workers in livestock production or agricultural operations.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of the Beef Nutrition Farm research feedlot, ensuring excellent animal care, operational efficiency, and compliance with research protocols.
Coordinate, train, and supervise graduate and undergraduate student employees while promoting a safe work environment.
Support multiple research projects by implementing study protocols, collecting and maintaining accurate research data, and collaborating with faculty, researchers, and veterinarians.
Formulate, mix, and deliver experimental diets with precision while monitoring feed intake and adjusting rations to meet research objectives.
Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair agricultural equipment, feed processing systems, and farm facilities to support research and daily operations.
Monitor cattle health, administer treatments as appropriate, coordinate herd health activities, and maintain biosecurity and regulatory compliance, including BQA, IACUC, and OSHA standards.
Assist with farm budgeting, livestock and feed inventories, procurement, crop planning, and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures.