Job Description

Position Title

Community and Economic Development Extension Specialist II - Distributed Energy Program

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications

Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework, degree, and/or experience in one or more of the following subject matter areas: agricultural and rural policy studies, agricultural communication, sustainability, energy systems engineering, science communication, or related field.

Experience planning and coordinating events.

Experience disseminating technical information to audiences through presentations, written materials, and public engagement.

Demonstrated experience working with rural communities to address challenges related to agriculture, energy, and/or infrastructure.

Job Description

Are you excited about the possibility of stepping into a brand-new role at the forefront of distributed energy resources in Iowa? Are you looking for a role where you can help build something from the ground up and make a lasting impact?

The Community and Economic Development team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking applicants for a Community and Economic Development Extension Specialist II with a focus on distributed energy resource engagement and, if you answered yes, you should apply!

What You’ll Do

• Increase awareness and understanding of distributed energy resources, with a focus on wind, by sharing sector-specific and regionally relevant information through existing events and communication channels.
• Engage directly with stakeholders in the agricultural sector about distributed wind through workshops, events, listening sessions, and other outreach activities.
• Collaborate with partners to co-create new engagement strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of ag-focused technical assistance in collaboration with national research laboratories, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the USDA.
• Provide feedback on federally developed content on distributed wind with a focus on addressing agricultural sector needs and gaps.
• Contribute to the development of annual individual and team plans of work.
• Report on and assist with program evaluations, using findings to inform and improve future programming.

The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator, with skills in public speaking and one-on-one engagement, as well as demonstrable experience cultivating bi-directional flows of information among stakeholders with disparate viewpoints and concerns.

Travel will be required in this position, mainly within the state of Iowa.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 9/12/2028, with the possibility of renewal.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Community And Economic Development With Extension And Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is a catalyst for growth and change, working alongside local, state, and national partners to create innovative solutions for Iowa’s communities. Community and Economic Development (CED) is one of four Extension and Outreach units, dedicated to helping communities navigate challenges and build a stronger future. With a team of nearly 40 faculty and staff—including experts from the College of Design and Liberal Arts and Sciences—CED provides the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to support local growth and resilience. Our work is guided by our purpose to impact people, place, resilience, and the environment.

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

Appointment Type

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date Or Length Of Term

September 12, 2028

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 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
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date

November 12, 2025

Posting Close Date

November 30, 2025

Job Requisition Number

R18118

Job Tags

Full time, Fixed term contract, Local area, Flexible hours,

Similar Jobs