Agriculture Diversification and Market Development Bureau Chief and State Horticulturist - Polk Co

Salary : $68,702.40 - $122,428.80 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-02714
Agency: 009 Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Opening Date: 04/07/2026
Closing Date: 4/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: travis.knight@iowaagriculture.gov

Job Description
Make an Impact on Iowa's Agriculture & Food Systems

At the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), our work supports Iowa's farmers, food systems, and communities. In this leadership role, you'll help shape the future of Iowa's horticulture industry, strengthen food safety systems, and expand market opportunities across the state.

As the Agriculture Diversification & Market Development Bureau Chief and State Horticulturist, you will lead programs that directly support growers, producers, and consumers, ensuring safe, sustainable, and thriving agricultural systems across Iowa.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll lead statewide programs and partnerships that support Iowa agriculture. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead Iowa's Organic Certification Program: Ensure compliance with USDA National Organic Program standards, oversee inspections and investigations, and support producers and processors across the state.
• Advance Iowa's Horticulture Industry: Serve as a key connector across industry, academia, and stakeholders. Lead statewide engagement efforts, support industry partnerships, and contribute to organizations such as the Iowa State Horticulture Society.
• Oversee Farmers Market Nutrition Programs: Manage USDA-funded programs that connect Iowans to fresh, local food, coordinating vendor participation, training, and program delivery.
• Support Food Safety & Compliance: Partner with the FDA to implement the Produce Safety Rule and help ensure safe, high-quality food for consumers.
• Drive Market Development Initiatives: Support programs that expand agricultural markets, including renewable fuels and emerging opportunities for Iowa producers.
• Lead and Support a High-Performing Team: Supervise inspectors, compliance staff, and administrative team members, providing guidance, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Maintain Key Systems & Industry Resources: Oversee the Sensitive Crops Registry and ensure accurate, secure, and responsive service to stakeholders.
• Engage with Partners & Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Collaborate with USDA, industry groups, and academic partners while staying current on regulations and best practices.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a closely related field
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture, food safety, or related programs
• Leadership experience with the ability to guide teams and manage programs
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel statewide as needed

Why Join IDALS & the State of Iowa?

Working for the State of Iowa means contributing to work that strengthens communities, supports agriculture, and protects the wellbeing of Iowans and their animals.

As a State employee, you'll enjoy:

• Work That Matters - Support Iowa's agriculture and food systems
• Stability & Purpose - A meaningful public service career
• Professional Growth - Opportunities to learn, develop, and advance
• Collaborative Culture - Work alongside passionate professionals making a difference

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Low out-of-pocket, high-quality medical insurance options
• Dental insurance - single coverage at no cost
• IPERS Retirement plus state-matched deferred compensation program
• Basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Optional supplemental insurance plans
• Learn more about State of Iowa benefits on our careers website:

Additional Details

• Location: Hoover Building (Des Moines) with statewide travel as needed
• Please attach a resume and cover letter when applying

How to Apply

The State of Iowa uses NEOGOV to accept and process applications and is an E-Verify employer.

Visit the State of Iowa Careers page and apply under Jobs Open to All Applicants.Applicants may upload a resume and cover letter in the Attachments section of the application.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and experience equal to four years of full-time work in program administration, development, management, or operations.
2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
3) All of the following (a and b):

a. Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

4) All of the following (a, b, and c):

a. Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience; and
c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is
also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

5) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position.

For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations?

• Not applicable - I have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university
• No experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Less than two years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Two years to less than four years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Four or more years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations

04

How many years do you have of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations?

• Not applicable - I do not have experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Less than two years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Two years to less than four years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Four years to less than six years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Six years to less than eight years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Eight or more years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations

05

Do you have a minimum of four years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations? IF YES

How many total years do you have of combined post-high school education and ADDITIONAL (not used to count for the first portion of the question) full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations?
NOTE 1: 30 thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
NOTE 2: Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

• Not applicable - I do not have a minimum of four years of experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Four years to less than six years of combined post-high school education and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Six years to less than eight years of combined post-high school education and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Eight or more years of combined post-high school education and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations

06

Do you have two years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations? IF YES - How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work and ADDITIONAL (not used to count for the first portion question) full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations?
NOTE 1: 24 semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience
NOTE 2: Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

• Not applicable - I do not have GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work or Iowa Certified Public Manager Program certification
• Less than two years of combined GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Two years to less than four years of combined GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations
• Four or more years of combined GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work and full-time experience in program administration, development, management, or operations

07

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have experience as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position for the state of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position for the state of Iowa
• 12 or more months of experience as a Public Service Supervisor or comparable specific management-level position for the state of Iowa

Required Question

Salary : $68,702 - $122,429