Farm Associate, Lone Oaks Farm, UT Extension: UTIA

Job Description

This position will primarily assist with agriculture operations and general maintenance for all aspects of the farm as well as heavy machinery operations at Lone Oaks Farm. This will include cattle work, hay production and storage, road maintenance, and general cleanup work. Responsibilities will also include operating heavy equipment as necessary for the operation of the Farm, including tractors, skid steers, bulldozers, backhoes, dump trucks, road graders, and high-lifts. This position further will be responsible for maintenance of such equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in any and all agricultural tasks at the Farm (livestock work, hay production and storage, etc).
• Basic to intermediate maintenance as needed (plumbing, electrical, repairs).
• Heavy machinery operation (bulldozers, road graders, backhoes,etc).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED
• Experience:
  • Knowledge of agricultural production methods and basic knowledge of agricultural operations (livestock and hay).
  • Familiarity with general maintenance of equipment.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to operate a wide diversity of heavy equipment safely and competently.
  • Knowledge of agricultural production methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • At least 5 years’ experience in facilities management and heavy equipment operation.
  • Experience in operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate a wide diversity of heavy equipment safely and competently.
  • Experience in facilities maintenance.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Skilled in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
  • Knowledge of cattle operations, agricultural production and facilities maintenance.

Work Location:

• Location: Middleton, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR04
• Anticipated hiring range: $31,200 – $39,520
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before March 3, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee County, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities, to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.

About Us

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

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!

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