Agricultural Assistant II - Dairy

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science seeks an Agricultural Assistant II to join its teaching, research, and production dairy farm in Ames. You will support daily herd management, animal care, milking operations, and related research activities within the university’s dairy program.

We value dependability, safety, and the ability to work with large animals in a dynamic farm setting. This role offers hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to teaching and research

Qualifications

• Milking experience and cattle care are preferred.
• Knowledge of farm labor, equipment, and machinery is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a farm setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily feeding, milking, and care of dairy cattle following welfare practices.
• Monitor animal health and behavior, report concerns, and assist with treatments and calving.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain milking equipment and facilities.
• Safely handle and move cattle using low-stress techniques.
• Operate farm equipment (tractors, loaders, trucks) and maintain records of health and production.
• Train and assist student employees and collaborate with staff and partners.
• Support research, teaching, seasonal operations, and related duties.
• Contribute to special projects based on needs and skills.

Skills

Milking experience

Dairy cattle care

Farm equipment knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Farm machinery tools

Job description

## Position Title:
Agricultural Assistant II - Dairy

## Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

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

Job Description:

The Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II to join its teaching, research, and production dairy farm. This position supports daily herd management, animal care, milking operations, and research activities while contributing to the university's mission of advancing dairy science and educating future agricultural professionals.

Depending on the successful candidate's skills, experience, and interests, there may be opportunities to assume additional responsibilities and contribute to specialized areas of dairy operations, research, and teaching activities.

What You'll Do

• Perform daily feeding, milking, and care of dairy cattle while following animal welfare and biosecurity practices.
• Monitor animal health and behavior, report concerns, and assist with treatments, calving, and herd health activities.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain milking equipment, feeding systems, and livestock facilities.
• Safely handle and move cattle using low-stress livestock handling techniques.
• Operate and maintain farm equipment, including tractors, skid steers, loaders, mixers, and trucks.
• Maintain records related to animal health, production, and equipment maintenance.
• Train and assist student employees and work closely with farm staff, faculty, and industry partners.
• Support research, teaching, seasonal farm operations, grounds maintenance, and other related duties.
• Contribute to special projects and other responsibilities based on operational needs and the successful candidate's skills, experience, and interests.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will be dependable, safety-minded, and comfortable working in a physically demanding agricultural environment. Candidates should be able to work around large animals, operate farm equipment safely, work both independently and as part of a team, and adapt to changing farm priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Milking experience
• Experience caring for and supporting dairy cattle.
• General knowledge of farm labor, equipment, and machinery.

Why Join Us?

At Iowa State University, you'll contribute to a nationally recognized teaching and research dairy operation while helping educate future agricultural professionals and supporting innovative research that advances the dairy industry. This position offers hands-on work in a collaborative environment where animal care, learning, and operational excellence are valued every day.

Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

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.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• 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

## Appointment Type:
Regular

## Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

## Time Type:
Full time

## Pay Grade:
PS805

## Original Posting Date:
October 7, 2026

## Posting Close Date:
October 15, 2026

## Job Requisition Number:
R20063

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. [phone], email [e-mail] .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.