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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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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)

This is term position that may have opportunity for renewal based on funding.

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.

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:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy 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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.