Ag Specialist II - Field Operations

Position Title:

Ag Specialist II - Field Operations

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Pesticide applicator’s certification

Experience operating farm or plot-scale research equipment, including tractors, sprayers, planters, and utility vehicles

Experience working with research plots, including planting, maintenance, and harvest operations

On-farm crop production experience or hands-on agricultural experience

Job Description:

The Department of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University seeks an Agricultural Specialist II – Field Operations to support research, demonstration, and teaching activities. This position is responsible for maintaining research and demonstration plots, operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, and supporting facilities and events at the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) Farm and associated research sites. The position works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and researchers to coordinate field activities and ensure work is completed in accordance with established protocols, safety procedures, and project timelines.

The successful candidate will contribute to efficient and accurate field operations while supporting a safe, organized, and well-maintained research environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain research and demonstration plots according to established protocols, including planting, mowing, cultivation, fertilization, and harvest preparation

• Operate tractors, mowers, sprayers, planters, utility vehicles, and other farm or plot-scale equipment

• Assist with plot layout, measurement, labeling, documentation, and trial setup

• Support weed, pest, and residue management

• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs on agricultural equipment, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and ensure equipment meets safety and operating standards

• Assist with snow removal, mowing, trimming, and general grounds maintenance

• Support FEEL Farm events and field days, including setup, teardown, and cleanup of event spaces and equipment

Why Join Us

In this role, you will be a key part of the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL), a 25-acre research and demonstration farm with more than 300 plots each year. You will be actively engaged with a variety of crops, trials, and field activities, with the freedom to manage plots, explore how the space is used, and shape the experience for researchers, students, and visitors. The position offers independence to run day-to-day operations and make the farm your own, supported by resources and collaboration when needed. If you enjoy variety, ownership, and seeing your work come to life, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic research farm.

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.

This is a term position with opportunity for renewal.

Level Guidelines
• 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

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 14, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

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-