Posted by Iowa State University

The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) at Iowa State University is seeking a Technical Project Specialist I to manage and support seed certification, field inspections, and crop performance research.
This hands-on role combines technical work with program coordination, data management, and part-time team supervision, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to two historically significant programs that directly impact Iowa agriculture. Key Responsibilities: + Conduct seed identity and purity analysis and prepare samples for growouts. + Assist with the coordination of seed certification programs for corn, soybean, and small grains, including field inspections across Iowa. + Validate certification applications and maintain accurate records for inspections and certified seed lots. + Monitor inspection quality and ensure compliance with AOSCA and USDA-OECD accreditation standards. + Assist with specialized programs such as statewide phytosanitary and moisture meter inspections. + Help with the collection of field data and reporting for research projects and crop performance trials. + Respond to customer inquiries regarding certification, inspections, and program requirements. + Serve as liaison to industry and university partners and support organizational initiatives. + Participate in professional development and stay current with seed certification and field research standards. About You / Why This Role Is Exciting:The Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) is a small, highly efficient team with a long-standing legacy and significant contributions to agriculture in Iowa and beyond.
This role connects you to a historic organization that has led seed certification since 1942 and operates one of the world’s most respected yield trial programs, founded in 1919 by Henry Wallace.
ICIA’s work comes full circle: helping farmers make informed decisions, supporting crop improvement, and providing scholarships funded by some of the university’s largest endowments.
You will have the opportunity to work with two unique programs and be part of a team that values hands-on work, quality, and innovation, making this a deeply rewarding role. ICIA is a nonprofit organization designated by Chapter 177 of the Iowa Legislature as Iowa’s official seed certifying agency.
Through its seed certification and crop performance testing programs, ICIA advances agricultural science, directly supports farmers, and helps cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. 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. Level Guidelines• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity• May provide guidance to students Appointment Type:Regular 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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] 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 Original Posting Date: February 27, 2026 Posting Close Date:March 8, 2026 Job Requisition Number:R18722 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 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/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 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].
If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.