Education Extension Specialist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

22h

About The Position

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University is seeking an Education Extension Specialist III to lead K-12 agricultural technology education and outreach across Iowa. The role brings emerging agricultural technologies and career pathways to students through school visits, FFA and 4-H programs, presentations, demonstrations, facility tours, and events. The specialist will represent Digital Ag and Iowa State University Extension throughout the state and build relationships with educators, youth-program leaders, and community partners. The position develops, coordinates, and delivers statewide educational programs, curriculum, presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. It translates Digital Ag research and technologies into engaging, age-appropriate content; collaborates with university and community partners; maintains a program roadmap; evaluates participation and learning outcomes; and connects students with agricultural education and career opportunities. The position includes regular in-state travel, may include occasional out-of-state travel, and may require evening and weekend hours. This is a full-time, 12-month term appointment with an expected long-term renewal and a proposed term end date of December 13, 2029. The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis; immigration sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
Experience working with K-12 students, educators, or youth-focused educational programs.
Knowledge of agriculture and an interest in agricultural technology, innovation, and career development.
Experience developing educational programs or curriculum for K-12 audiences and evaluating program participation, outcomes, or impact.
Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to engage audiences of different ages and backgrounds.
Ability to translate technical and scientific information into clear, engaging educational content.
Strong organizational and relationship-building skills, including the ability to coordinate programs independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with educators, university partners, and community stakeholders.
Professionalism and confidence representing an organization in public settings.
Ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout Iowa.
Legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural education, agricultural communications, agriculture, education, Extension, agricultural business, agricultural engineering or technology, or a related field.
Experience working with FFA, 4-H, agricultural education, Extension, or K-12 STEM programs.
Familiarity with precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, geographic information systems, robotics, drones, automation, or other emerging agricultural technologies.
Experience coordinating educational or outreach programs across multiple schools, communities, or geographic regions.
Experience developing partnerships with agricultural organizations, industry partners, or educational institutions to support youth programming or career exploration.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of statewide K-12 agricultural technology education programs, including curriculum, presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities.
Engage students, educators, FFA chapters, 4-H programs, school clubs, and other youth-focused organizations through presentations, school visits, facility tours, and events.
Translate Digital Ag research and emerging technologies into engaging, age-appropriate educational content.
Build relationships with educators, youth program leaders, and community partners to identify programming needs, expand engagement, and support collaboration.
Collaborate with Digital Ag staff, Extension professionals, university partners, and K-12 educators to develop and maintain educational materials and programming.
Represent Digital Ag, Iowa State University Extension, and the agricultural industry at school programs, career events, conferences, field days, and community activities.
Develop and maintain a roadmap for current and future programs aligned with academic calendars, conventions, and opportunities to reach audiences across Iowa.
Evaluate program participation, reach, feedback, and learning outcomes to document impact, improve programming, and guide future efforts.
Promote awareness of agricultural career pathways and connect students with educational and career opportunities at Iowa State University and in the agricultural industry.