Agriculture OPT Jobs in Iowa
Iowa is one of the top agricultural states in the U.S., with major employers like John Deere, Cargill, and Iowa State University Research Farms actively hiring international talent in agronomy, food science, and agricultural engineering. Des Moines, Ames, and Cedar Rapids are the primary hiring hubs for F-1 OPT agriculture roles, offering opportunities across crop sciences, animal nutrition, and agribusiness.
Find Agriculture JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5+ Agriculture OPT Jobs in Iowa










See all Agriculture OPT Jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Agriculture OPT Jobs in Iowa.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably. FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.
COMPENSATION
- Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000 annually
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.
BENEFITS
FS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays. FS is dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension and a 401(k) plan with company matching to help you plan for retirement. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on position.
PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT
Maximize profitable sales through effective and efficient management, supervision, and leadership of the operations of the assigned location including personnel, scheduling, assets, logistics, product handling, application services, and customer satisfaction.
SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP
Supervises, leads, and develops all full-time and part-time employees required to operate the facility. Trains employees to meet state, federal, and company regulatory and safety criteria.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Hires, supervises, coaches, and develops full- and part-time employees needed to operate the facility, including training assigned personnel on application procedures and technology.
- Ensures timely, professional delivery and service of applicable products and services using company-approved processes and procedures.
- Provides value-added agronomic products, services, and recommendations to growers. Provides customer service by using soil testing, crop scouting and other programs. Respond to customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly to ensure satisfaction.
- Orders, maintains, and controls inventory according to company guidelines.
- Responsible for the maintenance and appearance of equipment and facilities and maintains required maintenance records.
- Schedules and leads regular location team meetings.
- Supports and promotes the use of Agvance planning, blending, and dispatch.
- Oversees billing products and services according to company policies and procedures.
- Collaborates with sales team to develop and implement plans to maximize location profitability and enhance growth in the market.
- Maintains assigned vehicle to company standards, follows the uniform policy, and presents a professional image.
- Follows and promotes applicable Code of Conduct, Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA, and DOT policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
- Typically requires an associate’s degree in agriculture or business, or equivalent, and at least 3 years of supervisory experience demonstrating knowledge of effective facility and personnel management.
- Possess strong core competencies including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making, and team development.
- Demonstrated planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of FS / GROWMARK agronomy products, services, and programs strongly preferred.
- Ability to use the computer and other required technology to enhance business processes.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record for the type of vehicle(s) that will be required to operate in order to perform all the duties assigned prior to employment, and have the ability to travel independently and overnight as required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain all applicable certifications, licenses, and permits required of the position, including CDL.
- Ability and willingness to work extended hours during peak seasons and as business conditions warrant.
- Occasionally exposed or required to:
- Extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, snow, ice, etc.)
- Noisy conditions
- Working conditions may include dust, fumes, chemicals, and electrical hazards with appropriate safety measures
- May be required to work at varying heights
- Lift 51 - 70 lbs.
FS is an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.
SECURING YOUR FUTURE, ONE BENEFIT AT A TIME.
Our benefits packages are designed to support every aspect of our employees’ well-being—from health plans to life insurance, robust retirement plans, and more. We provide benefits that meet their needs today while also ensuring a secure future.
Offerings may include, but are not limited to:
UNITED STATES:
- Fully Funded Pension*
- 401(k) & Employer Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- HSA & Employer Contributions
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Identity Protection
The pension plan is subject to individual company participation. Those who do not participate in the pension plan enjoy a higher 401(k) employer match.
CANADA:
- DC Pension Plan
- RRSP
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Volunteer Day
Benefit eligibility may be dependent on employment type.
Nearest Major Market: Burlington
Job Segment: Facilities, Logistics, Electrical, Scientific, Operations, Engineering
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Iowa
See all Agriculture OPT Jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Agriculture Jobs in IowaAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Iowa?
Iowa's largest agricultural employers include Cargill, John Deere, Pioneer (a Corteva brand), and Iowa State University's extension and research programs. These organizations have histories of hiring international graduates in technical roles. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on the specific role, degree field, and employer hiring needs at the time of application. Targeting companies with established international hiring programs improves your chances.
Which cities in Iowa have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Ames leads for research and science-oriented agriculture roles, largely due to Iowa State University and its affiliated research institutions. Des Moines is the main hub for agribusiness, food processing, and corporate agriculture functions. Cedar Rapids has a strong food manufacturing and grain processing presence. Smaller cities like Waterloo and Iowa City also see hiring in animal science, food safety, and agricultural technology roles.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field are strongest for F-1 OPT eligibility. In Iowa's agriculture sector, these commonly include positions in agronomy, crop science, food science, agricultural engineering, animal nutrition, precision agriculture technology, and agricultural data analytics. General labor or non-degree field roles typically do not qualify for STEM OPT extensions, which are available only to graduates in designated STEM-classified programs.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and F-1 OPT holders looking for sponsorship-friendly roles. You can filter by visa type, industry, and state to surface agriculture positions in Iowa from employers open to F-1 OPT candidates. Beyond Migrate Mate, Iowa State University's career center and agriculture-focused career fairs in Ames are practical on-the-ground resources for connecting with employers familiar with OPT hiring.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in agriculture?
Iowa's agriculture industry is heavily tied to crop cycles and seasonal research timelines, so many employers hire for positions that align with planting and harvest seasons, particularly in research roles. F-1 OPT students in STEM-classified agriculture programs, such as agricultural engineering or food science, may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them up to three years of work authorization. Confirming your degree's STEM classification with your DSO before applying is important.