Position Title:

Agricultural Specialist II - Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farm

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Sciences or related disciplines.
Experience in small or large plot research.
Experience in agriculture machinery and equipment used for planting and harvesting, including plot type research equipment.
Supervisory experience
Class A Commercial drivers license
Commercial pesticide applicators certification

Job Description:

The Iowa State University (ISU) Research and Demonstration Farms in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University is seeking a candidate for the position of Agricultural Specialist II. The position will be an individual contributor at the Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy (AEA) research farm to help conduct field research experiments related to crops, soils, plant pathology, and entomology. The AEA farms provides support to the faculty, staff, and students at ISU to enable the execution of their field research experiments.

This position will be responsible for interfacing and facilitating research that scientists on campus conduct at the AEA research farm. Duties will include field level research, including working with and maintaining agriculture machinery and equipment for research scale plots for planting, crop management and harvest. The incumbent will also manage field experiments, including appropriate mechanical and chemical measures, to obtain high quality experimental data, data collection, data management and analysis using handheld devices and commercial software. The incumbent will be expected to modify procedures to meet specific research / experiment needs and train / supervise staff and students on the use of equipment.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to assist in report preparation and to effectively interact with and inform faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate student employees, and collaborators. The candidate will have a strong ability to direct and guide employees and cooperators; be detail-oriented; and possess the ability to manage multiple, ongoing tasks. The candidate will also be self-motivated and capable of working independently when required. All staff members are expected to interact collegially and in a professional manner and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Position will be open until filled.

Example of Duties
• Collects, records, and summarizes research data.
• Manages and coordinates a set of agricultural resources.
• Implements research protocols.
• Contributes to experimental design, management, and analysis.
• Consults with project leaders on experiments, protocol, and progress.
• Monitors and oversees machinery and property maintenance and repair.
• Assists with field operations.
• Observes, diagnoses, and remedies livestock/crop problems.

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

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: 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 University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:

August 1, 2023

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R12565

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