Extension Field Agronomist - South Central Iowa - Iowa State University : Job Details

Position Title:

Extension Field Agronomist - South Central Iowa

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Special Required Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed or seed science, or a related field preferred.

Teaching experience.

Experience in the agri-business industry.

Experience or training in crop production and protection.

Experience working with forages, pastures, and/or cover crops.

Experience communicating with a wide range of audiences, including agricultural clientele and the mass media.

Job Description:

Are you passionate about agriculture and would like to make a meaningful impact to those growing crops and helping feed the world? Are you interested in sharing your knowledge and experience in successful farming practices?

If so, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) within Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Extension Field Agronomist in south central Iowa! ANR Extension Field Specialists provide leadership in the application of knowledge, grounded in research-based science, to help Iowans and agricultural industry prosper.

The individual for this position will be serving counties in south central Iowa. The specific counties served will be discussed at time of hire as it will be determined by the location of the successful candidate. The primary office location for this position will be a county extension office in the state of Iowa and the location will be dependent on the successful candidate and office availability. Because the position will support multiple counties, travel is required.

Educational responsibilities of this position will focus on all aspects of applied education through needs assessment and program development for crop production and crop protection. Experience or willingness to learn pasture and grassland management is important due to stakeholder interest in south central Iowa.

The successful candidate will effectively communicate orally and in writing with a wide variety of individuals and groups. The position will also bring subject-matter expertise to interdisciplinary extension teams addressing priority issues. Program evaluation and impact assessment is an expectation in program documentation. In addition, this position will assist with statewide programming and interdisciplinary team efforts. Therefore, strong organizational skills are also a necessity, as this position will be expected to work on multiple projects.

Program audiences include farmers, landowners, lenders, agricultural businesses, cooperatives, farm organizations, commodity groups, citizen organizations, community colleges, and mass media. The candidate will also have the ability to establish partnerships with community leaders.

Field specialists will cooperate with and inform Regional Directors, County Councils, County Extension Staff, Field Specialists, and Program Director of their projects, and have a positive working relationship with staff and clients in assigned geographical and subject matter areas.

Responsibilities of this position will include collaborative, service, and administrative functions with ISU. Additional duties of this position will include partnering with ISU McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm staff to identify local research and demonstration needs. Involvement in aspects of agricultural systems, including crop production, soil management, carbon issues, and water and air quality is anticipated. The incumbent may participate in grant and contract opportunities, and be active in revenue generation. Programmatic leadership is provided through the ANR Crops Team. Subject matter leadership is provided through the ISU Departments of Agronomy; and Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology; in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

This position will be filled at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist I or II level.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist I

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Pay Grade:

PS807

Level Guidelines:

* Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision

* Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode

* Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope

* Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained

* Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate

* May lead projects of limited scope and complexity

* May provide guidance to students

Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Pay Grade:

PS808

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

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II will have additional duties not listed in the posting.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

This is a fixed term position through 6/30/2027, with the opportunity for renewal.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

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-###-#### or Toll Free: 1-877-###-####.

Why Choose ISU?

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

* Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

November 11, 2024

Posting Close Date:

December 31, 2024

Job Requisition Number:

R15894