Program Specialist I - Horticulture

Position Title:

Program Specialist I - Horticulture

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, ag education, or a related field

Experience in program development, educational outreach, or public communication related to urban agriculture, organic agriculture, or a similar field

Familiarity with website content management, newsletters, or digital communication tools.

Experience assisting with data collection, demonstration plots, or applied agricultural research.

Job Description:

The Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University is seeking a Program Specialist I to support urban and organic agriculture education and outreach efforts. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing agriculture through community engagement, education, and applied research. The Program Specialist plays a key role in developing, coordinating, and delivering programs and resources that enhance understanding and adoption of urban and organic agriculture practices among various audiences.

The Program Specialist works closely with Extension staff, community partners, and stakeholders to design outreach materials, coordinate events, provide educational support, and assist with research and demonstration activities. The role also contributes to communication, content management, and fiscal support for grant-funded and programmatic initiatives, including the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop and deliver educational programs, webinars, videos, and outreach materials related to urban and organic agriculture.

• Coordinate events, farm demonstrations, and field days in collaboration with Extension staff and community partners.

• Create and manage educational content for newsletters, webpages, workshops, and other communication platforms.

• Serve as a subject-matter resource by responding to public and stakeholder inquiries and supporting Extension education efforts.

• Assist with research, demonstration plot maintenance, data collection, report writing, and literature review to support program development.

• Provide support for fiscal and reporting activities, including budget review assistance with the principal investigator.

Why Join Our Team?

You will have the opportunity to help shape and grow a new, high-impact urban agriculture program created to meet the needs of urban farmers who previously had limited access to Extension resources. As an emerging program, this role offers meaningful input into program direction, priorities, and innovative approaches. You’ll work at the intersection of agriculture and community, supporting small-scale farms within city limits—often less than an acre—that play an important role in local food systems and food access. This position combines education, outreach, and hands-on work, offering the chance to make a visible difference for growers and communities.

Learn more about our program at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/urbanag/.

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.

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

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

December 31, 2026

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 [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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

Original Posting Date:

January 29, 2026

Posting Close Date:

February 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18518