4-H STEM Extension Specialist

Position Title:

4-H STEM Extension Specialist

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Special Required Qualifications

Must be a citizen of the United States or native of a United State's territory., Valid U.S. Driver's License

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Ready to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders through innovative 4-H and NASA-connected programs?

If so, the Iowa 4-H Youth Development team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in partnership with the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, is seeking candidates for a 4-H STEM Extension Specialist. This position will be classified as a Youth 4-H Extension Specialist I.

What You'll Do:

• Co-lead statewide implementation of the Mission Moon STEM education program, including training staff and volunteers, supporting curriculum enhancements, maintaining program technology, and expanding participation through outreach and partnerships.

• Coordinate and deliver statewide FLEx Space/Build programs, including scheduling, logistics, curriculum development, staff training, technology support, and program evaluation.

• Develop and deliver research-based STEM education programs and hands-on learning experiences for youth and communities across Iowa.

• Maintain and transport educational equipment, materials, and mobile STEM technologies to support program delivery.

• Provide training, technical assistance, and troubleshooting support for staff, volunteers, and program participants.

• Build and maintain partnerships to increase program access, engagement, and impact among new and existing audiences.

• Collect, analyze, and report program evaluation data; prepare organizational reports and support continuous program improvement.

• Assist with grant writing, grant-funded project implementation, marketing, and promotion through websites, social media, and outreach events.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to student interns and support STEM outreach events, festivals, and educational initiatives, such as the Spring Research Symposium.

Statewide travel will be involved in this role along with some evening and weekend hours.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 6/20/2029, with the opportunity for renewal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM education, engineering, youth development, or related field.

• Experience facilitating and delivering programs for youth and educators.  

• Background in STEM and/or aerospace content.

• Experience delivering mobile, technology-rich, or hands-on outreach programs.

About Iowa 4-H Youth Development:

Iowa 4-H Youth Development is the premier youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Providing research-based education to K-12 youth, Iowa 4-H builds upon more than a century of experience in positive youth development. For more information, please visit 4-H Youth Development.

About Iowa Space Grant Consortium:

A part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program since 1990, the Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) continually strives to improve and inspire Iowa’s future in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The ISGC supports NASA-relevant STEM research, education, and outreach activities for all Iowans with NASA internships, fellowships, and scholarships, competitions for grants within higher education members (with NASA Mission Directorate alignment), as well as informal education grants with outreach affiliates. To learn more about ISGC, please visit ISGC.

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

• 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.

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

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 20, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS806

Original Posting Date:

July 29, 2026

Posting Close Date:

August 9, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19663

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.