Education Extension Specialist III

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The Education Extension Specialist III will lead statewide K-12 agricultural technology education and outreach for the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University. The role introduces Iowa students to emerging agricultural technologies, agriculture-related careers, and educational opportunities through school visits, presentations, demonstrations, hands-on activities, facility tours, and youth programs. The position works with educators, FFA chapters, 4-H programs, school clubs, Extension professionals, university partners, industry representatives, and community organizations. It translates research and technical topics—including precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, GIS, robotics, drones, and automation—into engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences. The specialist develops and maintains educational programming and materials, plans activities across Iowa, represents Digital Ag and Iowa State University Extension at public events, and evaluates program reach, feedback, and learning outcomes. This is a statewide role requiring regular in-state travel and potentially occasional out-of-state travel. Evening and weekend hours may be required. The appointment is a regular fixed-term position with an expected long-term renewal, currently ending December 13, 2029. The position is full-time with a 12-month work period. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

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.
Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without immigration sponsorship.

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, GIS, 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 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 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; document impact and use results to improve and guide future programming.
Promote awareness of agricultural career pathways and connect students with educational and career opportunities at Iowa State University and in the agricultural industry.