Agricultural Assistant II - Dairy

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Iowa State University - College of Design is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II for its teaching, research, and production dairy farm in Ames, IA. You will assist with daily herd management, milking operations, animal care, and research activities on a busy dairy facility.

Responsibilities include caring for cattle, equipment maintenance, and supporting student workers. The role requires safety-minded, dependable work in a physical setting, with opportunities to contribute to specialized dairy

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 3 years of related experience preferred.
• Ability to work with large animals and operate farm equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily feeding, milking, and care of dairy cattle.
• Monitor animal health and behavior; report concerns and assist with treatments.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain milking equipment and facilities.
• Safely handle and move cattle using low-stress techniques.
• Operate and maintain farm equipment (tractors, loaders, trucks).
• Maintain records on health, production, and equipment maintenance.
• Train and assist student employees and collaborate with staff and partners.
• Support research, teaching, and seasonal farm operations.

Skills

Milking experience

Dairy cattle care

Farm machinery

Safety-minded

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

## Agricultural Assistant II - DairyApply: Ames, IA: Full time: Posted Today: R20063## 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.*** **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:* Resume/Curriculum Vitae* Letter of Application/Cover Letter **Why Choose Iowa State University?** 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 programIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.## 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