Ag Specialist III – Farm Operator (AG 450 Farm)

Position Title:

Ag Specialist III – Farm Operator (AG 450 Farm)

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural discipline.

Practical experience in crop and/or livestock production systems, preferably in row crop and swine operations.

Experience with agricultural financial management, including budgeting, cost tracking, input purchasing, and operational decision-making for farm operations.

Experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment, including tractors, planters, combines, and related implements.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Certification.

Job Description:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist III to support the operations, teaching mission, and management of the Iowa State University Ag 450 Farm. This position plays a key role in crop and livestock production, facilities and equipment maintenance, employee supervision, and hands-on instruction of students enrolled in the AGEDS 4500 capstone course. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, students, and industry partners to support a real-world, experiential learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day crop and livestock production activities, including feeding, herd health, animal movement, crop field operations, and safe application of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs.
• Maintain accurate livestock and crop production records
• Plan and support crop operations, including selection of crop varieties and input application rates, in compliance with soil, water, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee, schedule, and support student farm workers
• Oversee routine maintenance of farm buildings, facilities, machinery, and equipment, including maintenance records and inventories.
• Coordinate with AGEDS 4500 students to implement the farm management plan, assign and supervise laboratory responsibilities, and support experiential learning activities.
• Assist the Professor-in-Charge with course delivery, curriculum development, and student evaluation.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, industry partners, vendors, and input suppliers to support farm operations and instructional goals.
• Support educational tours, outreach, and public relations activities at the farm.

Why This Role Matters

This role offers a rare opportunity to lead a working farm while shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals. You will be at the center of a highly respected experiential learning program, working closely with students as they plan, make decisions, and operate a real-world row crop and swine operation. Your leadership will directly impact both farm performance and student development.

As a key operator of the Ag 450 Farm, you help make the system work—from production and logistics to people and technology. The farm is a model operation, utilizing modern equipment and evolving technologies, including John Deere systems integrated into the curriculum, within a culture that values innovation, stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Beyond daily operations, this position offers strong professional connectivity through close collaboration with faculty and extensive relationships with industry partners. For those passionate about hands-on farming, mentoring students, and advancing modern production agriculture, this role provides meaningful impact and long-term professional fulfillment.

Low-cost, on-farm housing may be available for this position.

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

• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

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:

January 14, 2026

Posting Close Date:

January 26, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18466

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