Agricultural Specialist II - FEEL Farm

Position Title:
Agricultural Specialist II - FEEL Farm
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's in Agriculture or related field
Experience managing or working on a research and demonstration farm focused on row crops
Experience with event planning, such as workshops for commercial and university partners
Experience managing an annual farm budget and long-term budget planning
Experience operating farm equipment
Job Description:
Iowa State University's Extension and Outreach Field Extension and Education Laboratory (FEEL) is the state of Iowa's fundamental resource for agricultural demonstration and education. Since 1987, FEEL has been an essential resource for the state's farmers, crop advisors, policymakers, students, faculty, and various other agriculture-related industries. The facility hosts timely educational courses, demonstrations, and private instructional events based on the year's crop challenges and solutions. These events are hosted by Iowa State University's premiere researchers and specialists and are designed to provide a hands-on educational opportunity to participants. Through evaluation strategies and first-hand experience with scouting and identification, visitors have the opportunity to customize their own management strategies with assistance from distinguished presenters. No matter what experience level, FEEL events are first and foremost, learning opportunities.
Example of Duties

• Assist ISU extension specialists with designing meaningful agronomic demonstrations.
• Frequently coordinate with private industry companies, tour groups, university course instructors and others to develop educational programs.
• Identify ISU FEEL farm needs and establish objectives.
• Plan & coordinate a variety of 20 or more of university/public industry events.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student hourly employees.
• Manage the annual farm budget and develop financial plans to support the long-term sustainability of the farm.
• Identify educational needs current to today's agriculture industry and agronomy practices.
• Speak and teach large groups of farm visitors.
• Build close relationships with representatives from the agriculture industry, professional organizations, and Iowa grower groups.
• Continually communicate openly and effectively with all clientele on a regular basis regarding details for events and demonstrations at FEEL farm.
• Demonstration plot maintenance and establishment.
• Provide farm machinery repair assistance.
• Operate farm equipment: tractor, sprayer, tillage implements, hail machine.
• Manage weed pressure through herbicide application, hoeing, and hand weeding.
• Janitorial duties and building maintenance.

This is a one-year term position.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
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

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
January 21, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS806
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 employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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
• 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:
December 20, 2023
Posting Close Date:
January 2, 2024
Job Requisition Number:
R13664