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Position Title:Agricultural Assistant II - ISU Dairy

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Milking experience.

Experience caring for and supporting dairy cattle.

General knowledge of farm labor, equipment and machinery.

Job Description:

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.

Additional information

Two openings are available. The positions will remain open until filled, with full consideration given to applications received before October 29th, 2025.

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.

Level Guidelines• Career-level position demonstrating proficiency and knowledge of related competencies• Works under direct to general supervision and may receive guidance on more complex assignments• Follows established procedures for work assignments, and completes assignments which are semi-routine and may be atypical in nature• Applies thorough knowledge to respond to inquiries and requests• Able to resolve most problems and issues and respond to requests without escalation• Provides guidance to students• May provide supervision to one to two other staff or lead a small work team

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS805

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

The positions will remain open until filled, with full consideration given to applications received before October 29th, 2025.If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?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

Original Posting Date: October 20, 2025

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R17991

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.