Beef Field Specialist - Northwest Iowa

Iowa State University•Ida Grove, IA

22h

About The Position

Do you want your work to have a meaningful impact on the beef industry while collaborating with a dynamic, team‑oriented group of professionals? Are you motivated by building long-term, trusted relationships with producers and stakeholders? If so, the Agriculture and Natural Resources team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking a Beef Field Specialist to support northwest Iowa. This will be classified as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II. The Northwest Iowa region includes Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, and Monona counties. The primary office location for this position will be an extension office in the region and the location will be dependent on the successful candidate and office availability. Travel will be required in this position. The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, serves as the university's extension program to cattle producers. Our center comprises a dedicated group of faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. We work together to develop and deliver the latest in research-based information to improve the profitability and vitality of Iowa's beef industry.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Valid U.S. Driver's License
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.
The ideal candidate for this position will have strong knowledge of the cattle industry.
They will possess strong relationship‑building abilities, along with excellent communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Animal Science or closely related field.
Experience and/or knowledge of beef cattle industry.
Experience developing and delivering research‑based or technical education programming; preferably related to beef cattle industry.
Experience conducting needs assessments and evaluating program impact.
Experience with revenue generation, program sponsorship, and resource administration.

Responsibilities

Deliver research-based educational programming for cattle producers in northwest Iowa while contributing to regional and statewide needs assessment, planning, and program implementation.
Promote engagement and education for all Iowans through programming, delivery, consultation, and technical assistance.
Provide programmatic oversight, including training county staff, volunteers, and collaborators, and establishing local and regional networks to build community capacity and add value for cattle producers.
Serve as a subject-matter expert for beef production, leading programs such as BQA/BQAT certifications, Advanced Cattle Feeders Clinics, Feedlot Short Course, and Calving Clinics.
Secure, administer, and steward resources—including grants, contracts, sponsorships, and volunteers—while following appropriate fiscal practices and pursuing revenue-generating opportunities.
Collaborate effectively with county councils, field specialists, program directors, staff, and stakeholders; support personnel as appropriate; and conduct needs assessments, program evaluation, and activity tracking.

Benefits

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
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.