What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agriculture Diversification and Market Development Bureau Chief and State Horticulturist - Polk Co position at State of Iowa - Executive Branch?
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:
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
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.
Selectives
567 Experience Interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code Applicant should demonstrate a minimum of 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of developing and interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
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.
- 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
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
- 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: State of Iowa Benefits
- Location: Hoover Building (Des Moines) with statewide travel as needed
- Please attach a resume and cover letter when applying
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.
Selectives
567 Experience Interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code Applicant should demonstrate a minimum of 6 months’ experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in the area of developing and interpreting Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
- 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.
- Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
- All of the following (a and b):
- Four years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
- 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.
- All of the following (a, b, and c):
- Two years of full-time work experience work in program administration, development, management, or operations; and
- 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
- 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
- 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.