Part Time Food Business Specialist – Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II in Ames, IA
Job Description
Position Title: Food Business Specialist – Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II
Job Group: Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Special Required Qualifications Drivers License
Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of rules and regulations for cottage food laws and home-based food operations
Understanding of value-added food processing steps
Prior experience developing and delivering programming
Prior experience in grant writing and grant administration
Job Description:
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Office at Iowa State University seeks applicants for a Food Business Specialist, which will be classified as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II. This position will help ISUEO mobilize existing resources across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and designated tribal trade coalitions to amplify and accelerate the delivery of resources for producers and food businesses through USDAs Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
This position will:
Participate in the regional asset map creation of resources for food businesses and producers through the Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
Develop and deliver programs related to small farms and food business development, establishing a food product as a business, food safety, food regulations and packaging, sensory analysis, etc.
Provide technical assistance and outreach to food business clients across Iowa and oversight of Building Business Grants awarded to Iowa food businesses through the USDA Heartland Regional Food Business Center.
Create partnerships and work to promote the center and it’s resources.
Write and co-administer grants.
The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and manage multiple programs and grant projects simultaneously. The ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external audiences and to seek new and enhance existing partnerships will be important to the incumbents success. This position will have the ability to understand the complexities and intricacies related to the development of regional and local food systems in Iowa, as they will work with multiple partners around the state and develop place-based opportunities for community food systems development. Excellent networking and partnership development skills are essential as well as strong project management and organizational skills. The successful candidate will possess a willingness to learn and develop strong partnerships across Extension units and Iowa regulatory agencies.
This is a two year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Local travel will be required in this position.
Level Guidelines
Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
Provides guidance to students
Iowa State University is a global, culturally diverse, and welcoming institution where students, faculty, and staff flourish. We know broad experiences and perspectives are vital to advancing innovation, thinking critically, and solving complex problems. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who champion the educational success of all students and support the professional success of colleagues consistent with the universitys Principles of Community.
Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
November 30, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
Time Type: Full time
Pay Grade: PS808
Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU? Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoys comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: 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 This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.
Original Posting Date: September 25, 2023
Posting Close Date: October 8, 2023
Job Requisition Number: R13029