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Job Description:

The Food Systems Team, within the Farm Food and Enterprise Development (FFED) Unit of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking qualified candidates for the position of an Education Extension Specialist I.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is heavily involved in local food system development in Iowa through on campus research and programming as well as technical assistance and support in communities in Iowa and nationally. The Food Systems Team supports the development of community food systems and farm to school work through research, education and outreach in collaboration with diverse partners across areas of production, processing and distribution as well as consumption and marketing aspects.  This also includes direct connection with community development and planning in efforts to understand and identify opportunity for increased equity and inclusiveness, education, economy, wellness, policy, and environment.  The Food Systems Team works collaboratively with the Small Farms Team and Enterprise Development teams within FFED.  

The Education Extension Specialist I will support the food systems team and small farms team with facilitation and programming for areas involving local food supply chains, including but not limited to food hubs, niche processing and distribution, and farm to school. They will also support programming for community food systems facilitation, coordination, and project assistance. Responsibilities of this position include supporting local food and farm businesses in their efforts to understand their communities and develop resilient strategies for their businesses and collective community efforts to increase local food systems.  

The Specialist will be a resource for program partners in state and nationally.  They will perform investigative research for program materials and projects.

The Specialist will assist in research of grant opportunities and potential project partners and funders.

The Specialist will seek new and develop new and existing partnerships regionally and nationally for purposes of expanding networks and building opportunities for successful collaboration.

The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills along with the ability to organize and manage multiple projects. Excellent written and verbal communication skills will be necessary in order to professionally communicate with university and non-university colleagues. The candidate will be competent working in teams both internal and external to Iowa State. The candidate will also demonstrate the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

The Specialist will represent FFED and Extension and Outreach to internal and/or external audiences at meetings and conferences where needed.

This is a term position through 6/30/2022, with possibility of renewal based on funding availability. All accrued vacation must be used during the appointment or will be forfeited.

Example of Duties
• Functions as an effective educator.
• Responds to programming and information using routine sources and materials, matching relevant information and programs with audience needs.
• Provides subject-matter support to local networks and coalitions to build community capacity (brings added value to producers, addresses environmental issues, and improves education and service for youth, community or families).
• Participates in needs assessment activities; evaluates major program efforts; and completes system reports when due.
• Sets goals related to reaching targeted under-served and under-represented audiences.
• Secures resources (volunteers, contracts, and grants) to support identified needs at a county level.
 

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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.

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