Job Description

Position Title

Feed Operations Technologist - Temporary

Appointment Type

Professional & Scientific

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Feed Operations Technologist will be a member of the team of the Iowa State University Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex reporting to the administrative leader and director. This role will serve to assist the production manager working closely with the team in extending daily feed manufacturing hours into a second shift. The production management team supervises and guides undergraduate students employed through the Feed Technology & Mill Management Traineeship Program in manufacturing feed rations that meet quality and feed safety specifications of fee-for-service clients; understanding the facility's process flow and Feed Safety & Quality Management System; following standard operating procedures (SOPs); becoming proficient in using the plant automation and control system; operating and maintaining equipment safely; receiving and documenting bulk, tote and bag deliveries; entering feed orders correctly; fulfilling outbound feed orders in a timely manner; inventorying feed ingredients accurately; practicing good housekeeping; ensuring the sampling and analyzing of ingredients and feeds for quality and feed safety; wearing personal protective equipment (PPE); and following required environmental, safety and health practices at all times.

Primary Duties

• Supervise daily feed production in main feed mill tower that extends into a second shift
• Oversee and guide undergraduate students working and learning in a commercial agro-industrial feed manufacturing operation
• Ensure equipment is operated correctly and maintained preventively
• Ensure rations are batched, mixed and processed correctly
• Ensure finished feed meets quality and feed safety specifications, and is placed in correct load-out bins for feed truck loading and delivery
• Ensure production records are completed correctly and filed in a timely manner
• Ensure production samples are collected and analyzed, statistical process control charts are understood, and corrective procedures implemented as needed
• Ensure SOPs are followed, employees wear required PPE, and follow required EHS practices
• Ensure good housekeeping is practiced consistently, and leaks, spills and dust accumulation is mitigated immediately
• Ensure breakdowns and needed repairs are documented, reported and addressed
• Ensure that functional area operates in compliance with university, local, state, federal, and funding agency regulations
• Serve as a resource to team members for process, product and program improvements, and future project planning, design, cost estimating and implementation
• Perform duties of production manager during times of their absence
• Other duties as assigned (e.g., assist with facility tours, class practical's, training workshops, research projects)

Position Responsibilities include proficiency in:

• Operating equipment correctly, maintaining equipment preventively, and documenting maintenance records utilizing specialized software; inventorying needed preventative maintenance supplies and replacement parts and submitting orders to procurement in a timely manner.
• Warehouse management including following proper protocols for receiving ingredients including confirming against purchase orders, checking compliance with quality specifications, placement and inventorying of ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness.
• Delivery protocols of finished feed orders (bulk, tote, bags) including confirming against purchase orders, checking compliance with quality specification, and updating records in the BetaRaven plant operations management system.
• Entering feed purchase orders in the BetaRaven plant operations management system and preparing feed ration production runs including making sure all ingredients needed are in the correct working bins and all equipment is in working order.
• Collecting, bagging and labeling samples of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished feed samples for quality control and feed safety analysis including entering quality analysis data in the BetaRaven plant operations management system.
• Identifying and reporting any out-of-compliance observations in relation to quality and feed safety analysis, and recommending adjustment to process parameters based on quality control results.
• Conducting regular facility checks to ensure all production areas are clean, sanitized, and well-maintained to prevent contamination, and all equipment and sensors are maintained in good working order.
• Identifying and reporting any out-of-compliance observations to FMGSC Director and recommending mitigation solutions.
• Recommending improvement of standard operating procedures, maintenance and sanitation practices, regulatory and safety compliance, operational and business practices, equipment upgrades and facility improvements when observed or necessary.
• Exemplifying through personal behavior compliance with all required EHS practices

The candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental, health, safety, and quality standards while working effectively as part of a team, maintaining a strong work ethic, paying close attention to detail, and consistently following established procedures and guidelines.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience processing feeds (or agro-industrial products) and meeting quality and safety requirements
• Experience in processing and materials handling equipment operation and maintenance
• Experience with plant automation and control systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in engineering, agricultural system or industrial technology, animal science or closely related field
• 5+ years of experience in managing feed mills or agro-industrial processing plants
• Previous experience in supervising and guiding feed mill or agro-industrial plant operations employees

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.

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

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.

Proposed Start Date

October 12, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

Time Type

Part time

Pay Grade

P&S Temporary

Original Posting Date

October 8, 2026

Posting Close Date

Job Requisition Number

R20062

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.