Position Title

Part-Time Agricultural Assistant I - Greenhouse & Plant Growth Chambers

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Would you be interested in a part-time position where you can work in a unique greenhouse and plant research environment that directly supports cutting-edge research? Are you looking for a part-time position that offers excellent benefits?

If so, the Vice President for Research (VPR) at Iowa State University is seeking applicants for an Agricultural Assistant I! This position will be assisting with operations at the Molecular Biology and Carver Co-Laboratory buildings.

What You'll Do

Maintain greenhouse and growth chamber operations to support plant growth and research activities.
Monitor plant health and implement pest management strategies, including beneficial insect programs.
Inspect, operate, and troubleshoot environmental systems, including lighting, ventilation, and growth chambers.
Clean, disinfect, and prepare greenhouses, chambers, and work areas to maintain facility standards.
Prepare fertilizer solutions and perform routine plant care and maintenance.
Manage inventories of soils, fertilizers, pots, and other supplies.
Sterilize and properly dispose of plant materials and seeds according to established protocols.
Communicate with researchers and facility users regarding plant care, space usage, and operational needs.
Maintain records of facility activities, maintenance, and service requests.
Train users, resolve operational issues, and provide technical support for greenhouse and growth chamber facilities.

This is a part-time, benefits-eligible position working 20 hours per week. We offer flexibility in scheduling and can work with candidates to establish a schedule that meets both operational and personal needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with plants in a greenhouse, growth chamber, research, or agricultural environment.
Familiarity with greenhouse operations and maintenance, including environmental controls, irrigation systems, and sanitation procedures.
Coursework, degree, or professional experience in Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related field.

About VPR At Iowa State University

The overarching vision for Iowa State Research is to foster human creativity, fuel innovation, and forge new frontiers that enable our communities, partners, and stakeholders to flourish. The vision that serves as the North Star for the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is to foster professionalism and collaboration that leads our research community in its pursuit of creative expressions, discoveries, and innovations that sustain and strengthen the world around us. For more information please visit VPR.

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 be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before July 27th, 2026.

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

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.

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Part time

Pay Grade

PS804

Original Posting Date

July 13, 2026

Posting Close Date

Job Requisition Number:

R19592

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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Part-Time Agricultural Assistant I - Greenhouse & Plant Growth Chambers