Position Title:
Agricultural Specialist II - ISU Poultry Farm
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Special Required Qualifications
Drivers License
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science or related discipline.
Supervisory or team lead experience.
Experience with commercial egg or poultry production.
Experience developing preventative maintenance schedules and coordinating major maintenance and repairs.
Experience and/or education with policies to be compliant in bio-security, pest management, and relevant food safety programs.
Experience operating farm equipment and poultry machinery.
Job Description:
The Department of Animal Science under the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking to fill a position at the Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Research and Teaching Farm.
The Agricultural Specialist II will report directly to the Superintendent of the Poultry Farm. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of hen and broiler research areas. This position will assist faculty with research set up and data collection in these areas and assist with teaching. The position is required to optimize the farms performance and collaborate effectively with the farm superintendent to ensure success.
Responsibilities include supervision of undergraduate students and support of graduate students. Duties include: maintaining building and facilities in a safe and appropriate manner; maintaining inventory control and developing preventative maintenance schedules and long term replacement strategies; coordinating major maintenance and repairs; and ensuring compliance of welfare, biosecurity, pest, and relevant food safety programs.
The successful candidate will possess business acumen in addition to agriculture knowledge in the areas of poultry science, veterinary science, and animal husbandry including disease management, nutrition, behavior and welfare. Effective oral and written communication, leadership, teamwork and time-management skills are essential in meeting the expectations of this position.
All staff members are expected to interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity, ethics and animal welfare. This is a full-time position. The incumbent should expect to work varying schedules, which may include evenings, weekends, and some holidays. Work hours may vary and change based on farm requirements and weather conditions.
This is a one-year term position with opportunity for renewal.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
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 with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
January 28, 2025
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 [email protected] 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
Original Posting Date:
January 3, 2024
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R13731