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.
Requirements
Milking experience
Experience caring for and supporting dairy cattle.
General knowledge of farm labor, equipment, and machinery.
Why Join Us?
Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities.
Work Schedule
This position offers a primarily daytime work schedule. Depending on assigned duties, some early morning work may be required. Staff share responsibility for a rotating weekend schedule.
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 position will remain open until filled.
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 program
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.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS805
Original Posting Date:
June 10, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19405
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.
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insurancePaid time offFlexible scheduleEquity / stock options
Additional Information
Position Title:
Agricultural Assistant II - ISU 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 a dedicated and dependable 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.
Iowa State University · Ames, IA