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Crop Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Landus

Territory Business Manager

Boone, IA · On-site

Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Plant Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience may be considered. Experience ...

Landus Cooperative

Territory Business Manager

Boone, IA · On-site

Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Plant Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience may be considered. Experience ...

Landus

Territory Business Manager

Boone, IA · On-site

Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Plant Science, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience may be considered. Experience ...

Coop FE

Agronomy Solutions Manager

IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field (Master's preferred). * 7-12+ years of experience in field agronomy, research, trials, or technical/product support. * Strong knowledge ...

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See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$54.6K

$78K

How much do crop science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for crop science in Iowa is $54,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $64,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a crop science degree?

A crop science degree prepares individuals for careers in agricultural research, crop production management, pest and disease control, and sustainable farming practices. Graduates often work as agronomists, crop consultants, research scientists, or in roles involving soil health, plant breeding, and agricultural technology, frequently utilizing tools like GIS and requiring knowledge of environmental regulations.

What does a crop science professional do?

A Crop Science professional typically spends their days conducting field research, analyzing soil and crop samples, and designing experiments to improve crop yields and sustainability. They often collaborate with farmers, agronomists, and industry partners to implement and assess new agricultural technologies or practices. Regular tasks may also include data collection, preparing technical reports, and staying updated on the latest advancements in crop genetics and pest management. This dynamic role offers a balance of fieldwork, lab analysis, and teamwork, making for a varied and impactful career.

What is a crop science?

A Crop Science job involves studying and improving agricultural crops through research, breeding, pest management, and soil science. Professionals in this field work to enhance crop yield, quality, and sustainability using scientific methods and technology. They may work in agriculture companies, research institutions, or government agencies, helping to develop better farming practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in crop science?

To thrive in Crop Science, you need a solid background in plant biology, agronomy, and soil science, often supported by a degree in agricultural science or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, GIS tools, laboratory equipment, and certifications like Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) are typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication make professionals stand out in this field. Mastering these skills is crucial for developing sustainable crop solutions and improving agricultural productivity.

What degree do you need to be a crop scientist?

Crop scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in crop science, agronomy, plant science, or a related field. Many positions require a master's degree or higher for advanced research or specialized roles, and knowledge of laboratory techniques and fieldwork is important.
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Crop Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crop Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,595 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data Analytics

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate - Crop Systems Modeling and Data AnalyticsAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary research program focused on improving the productivity and environmental performance of cropping systems in the U.S. Midwest.

The successful candidate will analyze existing experimental and on-farm datasets on corn and soybean production systems, integrate drone and remote-sensing imagery, and conduct APSIM simulations to address research questions related to crop physiology, plant breeding, nitrogen management, water quality, crop rotations, and predictive agriculture. The position offers opportunities to work collaboratively with experts in crop science, soil science, remote sensing, data analytics, and agricultural systems modeling.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Analyze large experimental and on-farm datasets from corn and soybean production systems.
  • Process and interpret drone-based and remote sensing imagery.
  • Conduct APSIM simulation modeling and related analyses.
  • Investigate Genotype Management Environment (G M E) interactions across production environments.
  • Develop predictive models and decision-support insights for agricultural systems.
  • Evaluate crop responses to management practices, nitrogen fertilizer strategies, and environmental conditions.
  • Synthesize experimental and modeling outcomes into peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.
  • Present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
  • Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, research staff, and external partners.
  • Contribute to grant-funded research activities and reporting requirements.

The research program seeks to improve both crop productivity and environmental outcomes by identifying management practices that increase system efficiency. Research focuses on increasing crop yields while reducing inputs and environmental losses, particularly water and nitrogen losses.

A central component of the program is understanding complex interactions among genetics, management, and environmental conditions and modeling key processes within the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. The laboratory utilizes a combination of field experimentation at multiple scales and process-based simulation modeling to advance sustainable agricultural systems.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in agronomy or related science.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience authoring and contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret agronomic datasets, including crop, soil, weather, and management data.
  • Experience with process-based crop simulation modeling, particularly the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM).
  • Experience with remote sensing applications, including drone imagery acquisition, processing, and analysis.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Departmentof Agronomy is focused on new and improved approaches to agriculture. New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. New approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. The end goal is to produce food, fuel, and fiber in a more efficient and economical way for the benefit of people and the environment around the world.

We are applying science to advance crop production systemswhile protecting and improving air, soil, and water quality.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Agronomy | Iowa State University

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
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

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.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:July 16, 2026Posting Close Date:July 30, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19506

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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

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.

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