Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist - Farm Management - North Central Iowa

Position Title:
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist - Farm Management - North Central Iowa

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree

Special Required Qualifications
Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business, Finance, Management, Marketing, Agricultural Education or a related field.
Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business, Finance, Management, Marketing, Agricultural Education or a related field.
Experience in the agri-business industry (i.e., cooperative, agricultural input supplier, etc.)
Experience in farm and agricultural business management areas (i.e., Farm Manager, Agricultural Lender, etc.)
Experience with federal agricultural policy, financial and/or legal aspects of land leasing, and/or human relations.  

Job Description:

The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist - Farm Management. ANR Specialists provide educational leadership in the application of knowledge, grounded in research-based science, to help Iowans and Iowa’s agricultural industry prosper. This position will serve Kossuth, Humboldt, Webster, Winnebago, Hancock, Wright, Hamilton, Worth, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hardin, Butler, and Grundy counties. The primary office location for this position will be a county extension office and the location will be dependent on the successful candidate and office availability. Because the position will support multiple counties, travel is required.

This position will focus on all aspects of farm and agricultural business management and entrepreneurial activities. Program leadership areas include agricultural marketing; government agricultural programs; and human resources issues on the farm. Team programming will also include agricultural financial management; farm lease contracts and land management; economics of crop and livestock production; risk management tools; and other farm management related program areas. In addition, this position will be part of the core farm management team and assist with statewide programming and area interdisciplinary team efforts. Program audiences include farmers, farm families, landowners, agricultural businesses, cooperatives, farm organizations, commodity groups, citizen organizations, community colleges, and mass media.   

This position will participate in grant and contract opportunities and be active in revenue generation. Responsibilities of this position will also include entrepreneurial, collaborative, service and administrative functions with ISU. Subject matter leadership is provided through the ISU Department of Economics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.      

The ANR Specialist – Farm Management will be expected to create and deliver comprehensive and complex communications and outreach materials; identify and implement innovative ways to meet clients’ needs; take an active role in the development of interdisciplinary curriculum; and provide leadership/supervision and subject-matter expertise.      

The successful candidate will possess the ability to develop a plan of work based on client needs identification; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals and groups; and ability to establish partnerships with leaders in Iowa agriculture. In order to be successful in the position, the candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a strong understanding of Iowa agriculture, and the ability to multi-task. 

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.

Appointment Type:
Regular

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 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Our Iowa State Employees enjoys 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
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
February 28, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 12, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14148