Agrivoltaics Lead

Iowa State University seeks an Agrivoltaics Lead to integrate agriculture with solar energy. Responsibilities include organizing meetings, collaborating with partners, engaging farmers, and supporting research on sustainable practices. The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience. Key benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This is a full-time position based in Ames, IA.
About the position

The Agrivoltaics Lead will join a multi-disciplinary team at Iowa State University to focus on integrating agriculture with solar energy production. This role involves organizing meetings, collaborating with partners, and promoting the practical applications of agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics. The position requires maintaining contact with Alliant Energy for research activities and engaging with farmers to implement sustainable practices. The Agrivoltaics Lead will contribute to groundbreaking research that aims to enhance sustainable food production and renewable energy practices, making a significant impact on rural communities and farmers.

Responsibilities
• Organize and execute monthly leadership meetings and quarterly team meetings.
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• Collaborate with on- and off-campus partners to disseminate knowledge on agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics.
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• Maintain weekly contact with Alliant Energy to ensure site access for research, teaching, and extension activities.
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• Lead farmer and farmland owner engagement to facilitate implementation of agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics practices.
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• Represent the ISU Agrivoltaics team at external stakeholder meetings.
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• Respond to inquiries for information, media contacts, or technical assistance related to the project.
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• Act as a liaison between cooperating farmers, landowners, and ISU faculty, staff, and students.
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• Assist with cataloging grant deliverables and reporting on grant progress.
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• Provide support to students and postdoctoral researchers in field and laboratory activities.
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• Organize and execute field days at the solar farm, delivering presentations on agrivoltaics, ecovoltaics, and solar energy.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
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• 5 years of related experience.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with agriculture or farming.
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• Experience with community or regional planning.
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• Event planning experience.
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• Some experience with conservation practices, especially those applied to farmlands.
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• Familiarity with renewable energy, especially solar, and its potential impacts on agriculture.

Benefits
• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental.
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• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
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• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
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• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
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• Life insurance and long-term disability.
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• Flexible Spending Accounts.
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• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
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• Employee Assistance Program.
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• Wellbeing program.
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• WorkFlex options for some positions.