Technical Project Specialist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University is seeking a Technical Project Specialist II to support applied research in sustainable agroecosystems. This position will play a key role in designing and implementing on-farm research projects that connect agricultural research with real-world farming practices. Working with faculty, farmers, research partners, and other stakeholders, the Technical Project Specialist II will provide technical expertise in precision agriculture, agricultural machinery, soil sampling, drone imagery, and research data collection. The position will help translate research questions into practical field trials, troubleshoot technical challenges, ensure high-quality data collection, and communicate findings to farmers and other project partners. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of agricultural research, precision technology, and on-farm application, contributing to research that supports sustainable and productive agricultural systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with agricultural application systems, precision agriculture, agriculture equipment, agronomy, crop production, or related technology development.
Experience with field trials, lab testing, and system benchmarking.
Experience leading technical projects, research initiatives, farmer engagement, and cross-functional teams.
Advanced degree in agronomy, or related field, or equivalent industry experience
Certified Crop Adviser
Part 107 pilots license (drone)

Responsibilities

Design and coordinate on-farm research projects in collaboration with faculty, farmers, industry partners, and other stakeholders, helping translate research questions into practical field trials.
Coordinate and perform field research activities, including soil sampling, spatial data management, drone imagery collection, and other precision agriculture applications.
Serve as a technical resource for precision agriculture technologies and agricultural machinery, developing protocols and advising project teams on their effective use in research.
Serve as a primary point of contact for participating farmers, supporting trial design, implementation, communication, and resolution of technical or operational challenges.
Develop and implement quality assurance and quality control processes to support accurate, reliable research data and successful project execution.
Communicate research findings through reports, presentations, educational materials, peer-reviewed publications, and other communications for farmers, project partners, funders, and professional audiences.
Provide training and direction to undergraduate employees, interns, and other staff supporting research projects, including assigning work and coordinating schedules.
Build professional relationships and contribute technical expertise through research partnerships, professional organizations, external review activities, and other opportunities that advance the work of the research group.