Extension Learning and Development Specialist - Dairy Goat

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Are you looking for a role where your work truly matters—to producers, students, veterinarians, and communities? Do you want to join a team where mission-driven work and work–life balance go hand in hand?

If so, the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension and Outreach team is currently seeking applicants for a Learning and Development Specialist II that will focus on providing training for dairy goat production and sustainability. This position is specifically designed to provide educational development support for a USDA Sustainable Agricultural Systems grant related to dairy goat production in the United States. For more information about this project, please visit our website at https://www.dairygoatagrisystems.org/.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and deliver integrated extension and outreach programming focused on dairy goat production and sustainability.

• Create producer‑focused training modules, workshops, field days, webinars, podcasts, publications, and videos.

• Coordinate with project co‑PIs and partner institutions on extension strategies and outreach content.

• Design and deploy training modules for practicing veterinarians.

• Prepare instructional materials and maintain regular communication with project leaders and stakeholders.

• Collect and analyze participant feedback through surveys and other assessment tools.

• Assist in developing and delivering an intensive dairy goat production and sustainability workshop for high‑school students.

• Evaluate success of all educational programs and objectives.

• Assist with the creation of a 1‑credit undergraduate elective on dairy goat sustainability, including packaging materials for online use.

• Develop educational tools to support veterinary students working with small‑scale production animal operations.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 3/31/2029 with the opportunity for renewal.

Occasional travel will be involved in this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in instructional/curriculum design and knowledge of curriculum development tools such as Articulate 360, etc.

• Experience organizing and implementing online education and in-person training programs and assessing their effectiveness.

• Demonstrated knowledge related to the dairy industry, animal science, and/or animal agriculture.

• Experience applying Extension frameworks to deliver instruction for audiences with varying levels of experience or learning goals.

• Experience interpreting technical or research-based content and translating it into accessible educational materials for youth, college students, and adult learners.

About Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach:

Agriculture is important to Iowa. We grow crops and raise livestock to feed our nation and beyond. Much of Iowa’s economy thrives on our rich agricultural heritage and ANR Extension and Outreach plays an important role in providing research-based information and resources to educate Iowa’s farmers, producers and agribusinesses. Our programs impact all Iowans, whether they live in a rural or urban area, and have been developed to improve our quality of life.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before July 6th, 2026.

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.