Healthy Food Access Specialist

at  Iowa State University

Position Information:
Position Title:
Healthy Food Access Specialist
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Special Required Qualifications
Valid U.S. Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a discipline related to public health, dietetics, food and nutrition, nutrition education, community nutrition, or closely related field.
Registered Dietitian Certification.
Demonstrated training or experience working with adults with low income and agencies that serve that population.
Experience with multi-level nutrition or food system initiatives.
Experience working with diverse populations.
Job Description:
The Department of Human Sciences Extension and Outreach with Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Sciences Extension Specialist – Healthy Food Access Specialist for the SNAP-Education Program.
The primary office location for this position will be a county extension office(Polk, Warren, Dallas, or Story County) and the location will be dependent on the successful candidate. Since the position covers multiple counties, it will require travel within Central Iowa.
The Human Sciences Extension Specialist – Healthy Food Access Specialist provides local-level coordination, subject-matter expertise and leadership to SNAP-Education healthy food access initiatives designed to make healthy choices easier for Iowans experiencing poverty. Work will be accomplished in partnership with food banks, pantries and other community agencies. Responsibilities of this position include providing leadership to local healthy food access initiatives through ISU Extension and Outreach; providing direct nutrition education to food pantry clients; assisting county Extension offices and volunteers with Growing Together Iowa healthy food access initiatives to include drafting proposals, building partnerships and evaluating results; seeking entrance into food pantries, conducting environmental assessments and coaching food pantry staff through environmental and system changes to improve healthy food access; communicating and coordinating activities with food banks and other local emergency food providers; managing evaluation of programming at the direction of the supervisor to include participant surveys, environmental assessments, reports of change, success story collection, partner interviews and other evaluation strategies; promoting the use of existing ISU Extension and Outreach resources in partner agencies, venues and environments; and relaying to state staff needs for new material development.
The successful candidate will possess exceptional communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a wide variety of individuals and groups, including culturally diverse and low-income audiences. The ability to effectively relate to clients different from themselves and the ability to establish and effectively maintain partnerships with community agencies and leaders is essential to this position. The selected candidate will need to be skilled in self-direction and independent work and possess the ability to manage multiple priorities.
The Human Sciences Extension Specialist – Healthy Food Access Specialist position will be filled at the Human Sciences Extension Specialist I or II level, depending on the candidate’s experience.
The Human Sciences Extension Specialist I position has a minimum required qualification of a Bachelor’s degree. The pay grade is a PS806.
The Human Sciences Extension Specialist II position has a minimum required qualification of a Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience. The pay grade is a PS807.
This is a regular with term appointment(fixed term) position with a term end date of 9/30/2024, with the opportunity for renewal.
Vision: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will advance land-grant values by engaging all Iowans in solving today’s problems and preparing for a thriving future.
Mission: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.
Diversity Statement: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach celebrates all identities, cultures, and backgrounds and actively works to foster a climate that is grounded in respect, value, and belonging. In our communities, diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the experiences of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach participants and partners. In our organization, diversity, equity, and inclusion support constructive workplace and educational environments, and promote excellence throughout the organization. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach aims to provide research- and evidence-based educational opportunities to cultivate the growth of Iowa’s agriculture, families, youth, and communities; is dedicated to serving all Iowans; and will continue to take intentional and thoughtful steps to achieve this goal.
Job Details: As our vision and mission both state, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is here to serve all Iowans. Accordingly, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach values experience working with and in diverse communities. We acknowledge the full range of diversity including race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, rural, urban, perspectives, education, experiences, etc. When we encompass a wide range of Iowans in our workforce, we better understand and serve the richness and breadth that is Iowa. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is an equal opportunity employer and in accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
September 30, 2024
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS806
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please 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 University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoys 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
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
March 21, 2023
Posting Close Date:
April 11, 2023
Job Requisition Number:
R11380

Please refer the Job description for details