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Iowa State University’s Northeast Research Farm in Nashua, Iowa, is seeking an Agricultural Specialist II to support agronomic research and farm operations. This hands-on position will operate and maintain tractors and other farm machinery, support field research activities, troubleshoot agricultural systems, and help maintain farm facilities and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, researchers, staff, students, and external partners to support safe and efficient research farm operations. Experience operating and maintaining agricultural equipment is essential; experience with agronomic research or research plots is also beneficial. This is an excellent opportunity for an agricultural professional who enjoys hands-on equipment work, problem-solving, field operations, and supporting agricultural research.

What You’ll Do

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify agricultural and research equipment, including tractors, tillage, planting, spraying, fertilization, and harvest equipment.

• Diagnose and address mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, GPS, and other equipment and farm system issues; coordinate repairs with vendors and service providers as needed.

• Support agronomic research projects by operating equipment and performing field activities including planting, spraying, soil sampling, crop scouting, harvesting, and data collection.

• Coordinate maintenance of farm facilities and infrastructure, including drainage systems, wetlands, bioreactors, buildings, water systems, and grounds.

• Maintain accurate equipment, farm operation, and research records and support research data collection and quality assurance.

• Provide technical guidance to staff, students, faculty, and equipment users involved in research and farm operations.

• Support field days, educational programs, stakeholder events, and Northeast Research Farm association activities.

• Coordinate scheduling, setup, and routine upkeep of the Borlaug Learning Center.

• Transport harvested grain to local elevators and perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Why Join Us

At Iowa State University, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your agricultural and equipment expertise to research that directly benefits Iowa farmers and producers. The Northeast Research Farm conducts applied research that helps inform decisions about products, practices, application timing, and crop management.

This position combines equipment operation and maintenance with field research and problem-solving, providing an opportunity to contribute to projects with practical applications across Iowa. You’ll collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, producers, and industry partners to generate and share information that advances agricultural practices.

We’re looking for someone with strong agricultural knowledge, practical problem-solving skills, and an interest in applying their expertise to research that makes a difference.

Learn more about the Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm, its research programs, facilities, and impact on Iowa agriculture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Agriculture or related field

• Experience with farm research work or agronomic research plots

• Experience operating, repairing, and maintaining farm machinery used to conduct research on field plots

• Experience collecting, recording, and summarizing research data

• Experience observing, diagnosing, and providing remedies to crops

• Pesticide Applicator’s Certification

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 posting will remain Open Until Filled.

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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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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 [email protected].

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.