Job Information
Iowa State University Food Safety Extension Specialist in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Food Safety Extension Specialist
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 2 years of related experience
Special Required QualificationsDrivers License
Preferred Qualifications:Understanding of food processing systems, including food safety considerations
Trained auditor in practices/certifications such as GAP, GMP, GFSI, BRC, SQF, FSCC-22000 preferred
Certified lead trainer in food safety programs
Experience in developing and delivering programming
Job Description:
Do you have a strong background in food safety and are looking for an opportunity where you get to educate people in the food industry? Are you looking to a make a difference with the work that you provide?
If so, the Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is currently seeking applicants for a Food Safety Extension Specialist! This position will be classified as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Specialist II.
The Farm, Food and Enterprise development team supports outreach and education to farm and food businesses to create stronger rural economies within the state of Iowa. We create connections with producers, regulatory agencies, consumers and processors. We're passionate about making a difference in rural communities and farms.
This individual will function as an extension educator and will be responsible for a wide range of programming on food safety and perform fee for service work directly with clients. The successful candidate will have an understanding of food processing systems, including food safety considerations, and be fully trained to teach courses and programs on mitigating food safety concerns to meet all required regulations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Coordinate the development and delivery of food safety programs (FSMA, HACCP, better process control, etc.), working within other units for a holistic approach. Clients will include anything from home food processing establishments to food processing/manufacturing facilities.
Develop and deliver food microbiology and preventative controls courses to help clients understand food safety, allergen assessment and quality control measures.
Evaluate program effectiveness and impact.
Coordinate trainings & audits for food companies as a fee-for-service.
Design, build, implement and maintain GAP and GMP based food safety programs for companies.
Work with clients to design and build an overall food safety program. Answer food safety questions on all types of products and processes for clients.
Build and develop cooperative relationships with ISU departments such as meat science, horticulture and economics along with Iowa regulatory agencies.
May serve on committees, boards, etc.
This is a two year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
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• May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:February 23, 2027
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: January 16, 2025
Posting Close Date:February 5, 2025
Job Requisition Number:R16217
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.