Agricultural Specialist

Position Title:Agricultural SpecialistJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degreeSpecial Required QualificationsDrivers LicensePreferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in agricultural discipline.Experience related to field agricultural research in U.S. corn belt.Skill in operating farm equipment such as tractors, sprayers, and combines.Experience installing, maintaining, and operating precision ag equipment.Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A.Job Description:The Iowa State University Research Farms is currently seeking applicants for an Agricultural Specialist I or II.The Iowa State University Research Farms operate 12 staffed locations across the state, dedicated to conducting site-specific agricultural research and demonstrations. The Agricultural Specialist will assist with managing agronomic research and demonstration activities and bulk crop production at the ISU Central Iowa Farms near Ames, IA. They will assist with agriculture field research related to crops, soils, mechanics, and structures, participate in planning and conducting field research trials focused on corn, soybeans, and soils, and accurately collect and manage data for research projects. Additionally, they will support farm managers and project leaders in their activities. The role also includes assisting with the design, fabrication, modification, and repair of farm equipment, including metal work, hydraulics, electrical systems, electronics, and global positioning systems. The candidate should expect to perform construction or maintenance of agricultural buildings and obtain a commercial pesticide applicator's certification.This position offers a dynamic and engaging work environment that stands apart from typical farming or co-op roles. Every day brings a new challenge—whether it's assisting with innovative research, working with precision ag technology, or contributing to market development studies. The variety of tasks keeps the work interesting, and the opportunity to be curious, ask questions, and see the real-world impact of your efforts makes this a rewarding role. You’ll be part of a team exploring unique and cutting-edge agricultural research that supports Iowa farmers and the broader ag community. It’s hands-on, meaningful work that blends traditional farming knowledge with exciting research.This position may be filled as an Agricultural Specialist I or II:Agricultural Specialist I: PS805Requires a Bachelor’s degree.Agricultural Specialist II: PS806Requires a Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience.Level Guidelines (Agricultural Specialist I) Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate May lead projects of limited scope and complexity May provide guidance to studentsLevel Guidelines (Agricultural Specialist II) Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity Provides guidance to studentsCandidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS805Application 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 LetterIf 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 programOriginal Posting Date: March 18, 2025Posting Close Date:March 30, 2025Job Requisition Number:R16642By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State 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, global, and culturally diverse 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/diversity-and-inclusion/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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 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.