Farming In Jobs in Iowa, IA (NOW HIRING)

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking an Agricultural Specialist II to serve as a Night Crew Team Lead at the ISU Dairy Farm. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a university setting that supports teaching, research, and extension, while leading hands-on dairy farm operations.

In this role, you will be part of a collaborative academic environment, working alongside faculty, researchers, and students to support high-quality animal care and contribute to applied research in animal science. The position also provides a stable and consistent evening schedule, offering daytime flexibility for personal commitments, education, or other pursuits.

The Night Crew Team Lead oversees evening operations, including assigning and monitoring work for staff and student employees, implementing research protocols, and ensuring proper operation of equipment and facilities. This role is ideal for someone who values hands-on work, leadership opportunities, and contributing to a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee night crew staff and student employees to ensure timely and accurate completion of milking, herd care, sanitation, and daily operations

• Train team members in dairy production, animal handling, safety procedures, and research protocols

• Coordinate with daytime crew and farm management to maintain consistent animal care and farm operations

• Monitor animal health, respond to emergencies, and resolve operational issues as they arise

• Support research projects

• Collaborate with faculty, veterinarians, and researchers on project design, troubleshooting, and herd management

• Maintain detailed records of animal health, production data, equipment maintenance, and research results

• Operate and maintain farm equipment and facilities, including tractors, skid steers, and milking systems

• Utilize herd management software and Microsoft Office tools for data tracking and reporting

• Assist with budgeting, inventory, and procurement related to cattle, feed, and supplies

If you enjoy working with cattle and thrive in a hands-on environment where each day brings new challenges, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a research and teaching farm. In this role, you will collaborate with faculty and researchers, support student organizations such as the Dairy Science and Veterinary Medicine clubs, and contribute to applied research in animal science. With a unique blend of production agriculture and academic engagement, this position offers opportunities to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact at a land-grant university.

Night Crew hours are Monday-Friday from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., with a one-hour meal break. This role offers a consistent and predictable schedule, providing flexibility for daytime commitments and supporting overall work-life balance. Rotating weekend coverage is shared across the team to ensure equitable scheduling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with milking procedures and equipment

• Experience working with livestock or large animals and familiarity with animal health monitoring and treatment

• Familiarity with general agricultural equipment operation and maintenance

• Leadership or team lead experience

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 be open until filled.

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
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.
Why Choose ISU?
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 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.