Agricultural Assistant II

Responsibilities

• Perform daily feeding, milking, and care of dairy cattle following animal welfare and biosecurity practices
• Monitor animal health and behavior, 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 detailed records related to animal health, production, and equipment maintenance
• Train and assist student employees and collaborate with farm staff, faculty, and industry partners
• Support research, teaching, seasonal farm operations, and grounds maintenance

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of related experience
• Ability to work in physically demanding agricultural environments
• Ability to work safely around large animals

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Professional development opportunities

About the Company

Iowa State University is a land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, extension, and outreach. The Department of Animal Science operates a nationally recognized teaching and research dairy farm that supports innovative research and helps educate the next generation of agricultural professionals.