Program Specialist I - Horticulture

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

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).

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees