Agricultural Specialist III - ISU Dairy

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

14d

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist III to oversee the daily operations of the ISU Dairy Farm and Dairy Research and Teaching Unit. Home to approximately 400 lactating cows and 400 heifers, the farm produces and ships nearly 29,000 pounds of milk per day to Prairie Farms while supporting nationally recognized research, teaching, and extension programs. The Agricultural Specialist III serves as the senior operational leader for herd management, reproduction programs, dairy production systems, and coordination of animal care at the ISU Dairy. This role ensures compliance with university, state, and federal standards while advancing research and teaching initiatives. The position supervises student employees, maintains high standards of animal welfare and production efficiency, and provides leadership across all aspects of dairy operations. In this role, you will work closely with faculty and researchers who are advancing dairy science at the forefront of the industry. A large majority of the herd is involved in active research studies spanning reproduction, nutrition, physiology, and emerging technologies. The research conducted at ISU Dairy is widely published and contributes directly to industry innovation and best practices. You will have the opportunity to operate within one of the larger and more research-intensive university dairy programs in the region—where cutting-edge technology, data-driven decision-making, and practical production management intersect daily. This environment brings both exciting challenges and meaningful impact, offering you the chance to lead a progressive operation that influences the dairy industry nationally while mentoring the next generation of professionals. Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous retirement contributions, paid time off, and affordable health, prescription, and dental insurance. Located in Ames, Iowa—named one of Livability’s “Top 100 Best Places to Live”—the community offers a vibrant economy, excellent schools, cultural attractions, and extensive parks, providing an exceptional quality of life. 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
• 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

• Experience in dairy farm production.
• Experience managing herds and herd health.
• Experience managing or leading cattle breeding programs, to include conducting research studies and documenting data.
• Supervisory or Team Lead experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of herd health and animal care, including preventive programs, treatment protocols, calving, biosecurity, and compliance with IACUC, FARM Program, and university, state, and federal standards.
• Oversee and optimize milking and production systems to ensure milk quality, parlor efficiency, sanitation, and accurate production recordkeeping.
• Manage feeding and nutrition programs in coordination with nutritionists, ensuring ration accuracy, feed quality, and equipment functionality.
• Direct the herd reproduction program, including heat detection, synchronization, artificial insemination, and monitoring of reproductive performance metrics.
• Oversee and train full-time and student employees; develop SOPs, create work schedules, and maintain a safe, professional work environment.
• Maintain accurate herd health, production, and compliance records; prepare reports and use data to drive continuous operational improvement.
• Support faculty and student research, teaching laboratories, tours, and outreach activities to advance the university’s land-grant mission.

Benefits

• Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous retirement contributions, paid time off, and affordable health, prescription, and dental insurance.
• 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