Extension Specialist I, New Farm Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Specialist - UTIA

The specialist will:

• Lead the development of educational curricula, publications and other resources for statewide educational programs based on client needs in new farm enterprise analysis and entrepreneurship and other designated subject matter areas.

• Teach educational programs and provide individual technical assistance for land owners, agricultural producers, industry partners and Extension agents.
• Secure extramural funds through grants, fee-based programs, and gifts.
• Evaluate and report program inputs, outcomes, impacts and accomplishments.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with relevant Extension colleagues and industry partners.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Program Development (including curricula, publications, and grantsmanship)
• Teaching (in-service training for agents and programs for producers, landowners, and industry partners).
• Conducting needs assessment and environmental scanning. Keeping current on all current trends in their program area. Conducting assessments to find the information, skills and tools needed.
• Coordinate work groups and teams to develop and deliver effective educational programs.
• Program evaluation - Evaluating number of contacts throughout the state. What impact it has provided or not provided. How to adjust the program from the data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• M.S. Degree in Agriculture or closely related field or a Master’s degree in any field with relevant experience. Candidates completing required degrees prior to December 31, 2026 are welcome to apply.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge and skills that demonstrate promise in Extension program development, implementation, teaching, evaluation and reporting.

  • Knowledge and skills that demonstrate promise in Tennessee Landowner Education, farm enterprise analysis and development, entrepreneurship and value-added agriculture. 

  • Effective communication skills (written and verbal).

  • Ability to effectively work independently and serve as a team leader and team member.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or experience in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural finance, agriculture marketing or closely related field.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission.

  • Knowledge and skills in grant writing.

Work Location 

• Location: The selected candidate may be based at the University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Extension, Center for Profitable Agriculture Headquarters (Ridley 4-H Center in Columbia, Tennessee) or another approved office location within Tennessee. Regular travel to the Center headquarters and other locations will be required.

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits 

• 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 attachments noted below. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before October 15, 2026. Applicants completing educational requirements prior to December 31, 2026 are welcome to apply.

1. Letter of interest

2. Resume or curriculum vitae

3. Official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred

4. List of at least three references

About The College/Department/Division 

UT Extension’s Center for Profitable Agriculture is a partnership between the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Center staff provide educational materials, educational programming and technical assistance to farmers interested in value-added enterprises to improve farm income. Center staff are also working to develop landowner education programs to slow the rate of farmland loss in the state. Learn more at cpa.tennessee.edu. 

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