Extension Specialist, Farm Management – UTIA

This position will work with regional, county, and state Extension staff, and other MANAGE team members in planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, reporting , and evaluating state, area, and county programs in farm and financial management, small rural agriculture-related business analysis and management, economics of alternative agriculture, and marketing. This position will serve the following counties: Weakley, Henry, Gibson, Carroll, Madison, Henderson, Hardeman, Chester, McNairy, and Hardin.

• Deliver programs through workshops, meetings, seminars, farm and office visits, and direct counseling with farm families and small rural businesses.
• Teach farm and rural small agricultural-related business planning, decision-making, marketing, and feasibility analysis.
• Develop an effective Extension educational program
• Utilize economic outlook meetings, mass media, and other appropriate teaching methods in the delivery of educational programs.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the Regional Agriculture and Natural Resources Leaders, state staff in the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, other state specialists, and agents in the designated area in order to support the total Extension education program
• Secure extramural funds through grants, fee-based programs, and gifts.
• Accurately report ANR program accomplishments and impacts into the UT Extension reporting system in a timely fashion.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

The UT Center of Farm Management Director and the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department Head will be administratively responsible for this position. The UT Center of Farm Management Director and the MANAGE Coordinator will provide program support and will have direct input on job performance.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Agriculture or a closely related field. Applicants graduating prior to position start date are welcome to apply.
• Experience: Agricultural Experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: PhD. in Agricultural Economics or Business Administration
• Experience: 1-3 years experience in agricultural economics, farm management, agricultural finance, or related field.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Agricultural Production Experience

Work Location

• Trenton, TN (Gibson County)

Compensation and Benefits

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Review of Applicants will begin in May 2025, with an anticipated hiring beginning in June 2025.

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before May 2025:

1. letter of interest, 2) a resume or curriculum vitae, 3) and official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred.

About The College/Department/Division :

The UT Center of Farm Management facilitates Extension, Teaching, and Research programs on farm financial management in Tennessee, and across the Mid-South. The Center focuses on meeting the needs of Tennessee producers and enhancing long-term profitability and sustainability of agriculture enterprises in Tennessee.

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