Position Title:Agricultural Specialist

 

 

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

 

 

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree

 

 

Special Required QualificationsDrivers License

 

 

Preferred 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: PS805

Requires a Bachelor’s degree.

 

Agricultural Specialist II: PS806

Requires 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 students

 

Level 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 students

 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

 

 

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 Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu 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:March 18, 2025

 

 

Posting Close Date:March 30, 2025

 

 

Job Requisition Number:R16642