Dairy Farm Assistant II — Hands-On Research & Care

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; 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 to join its teaching, research, and production dairy farm. The role supports daily herd management, animal care, milking operations, and research activities while contributing to the university's mission of advancing dairy science.

Responsibilities include feeding, milking, health monitoring, equipment maintenance, and assisting with student employees and research projects in a hands-on, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience are required.
• Candidate should be dependable, safety-minded and able to work in a physically demanding agricultural environment.
• Experience with dairy cattle and farm equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Animal handling

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Farm equipment operation

Milking equipment handling

Job description

Iowa State University - College of Design is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II to join its teaching, research, and production dairy farm. The role supports daily herd management, animal care, milking operations, and research activities while contributing to the university's mission of advancing dairy science.

Responsibilities include feeding, milking, health monitoring, equipment maintenance, and assisting with student employees and research projects in a hands-on, collaborative environment.