Technical Project Specialist II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Retirement benefits

Vacation, holiday, and sick time and 3

Job summary

Iowa State University in Ames, IA, seeks a Technical Project Specialist II to design and implement on-farm research projects bridging agricultural research and real-world farming practices.

The role involves coordinating field activities, including soil sampling, drone imagery, and precision ag applications, with faculty, farmers, and partners. Strong data handling and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies and agricultural machinery
• Ability to translate research questions into practical field trials
• Experience coordinating field research activities

Responsibilities

• Design and coordinate on-farm research projects in collaboration with faculty, farmers, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• 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 and external activities

Skills

Project coordination

Precision agriculture technologies

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Drone imagery

Soil sampling

Spatial data management

Job description

Position Title

Technical Project Specialist II

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

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).

Eligibility Requirements

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.

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 [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Details

• Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
• Proposed End Date or Length of Term: January 31, 2029
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS810

Posting Information

• Original Posting Date: October 6, 2026
• Posting Close Date: October 13, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20039

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. [phone], email eooffi