Research Specialist - Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center At Springhill - UTIA

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Spring Hill, TN, USA

Posted on May 22, 2026

Position is solely responsible for assisting in performing technical, research and field-related duties in support of the center’s Beef Unit research programs, operations, and mission. Oversee and direct beef cattle forage production, pasture management, and infrastructure development and maintenance, as well as, assist in forage and beef cattle unit research. Perform routine tasks and conducts routine procedures associated with maintaining efficient operations in support of center's forage, beef cattle production and research programs and infrastructure. In addition, the position is responsible for proper implementation, accurate analysis and effective communications concerning all beef cattle research projects and communication between lead primary investigator and the center director.

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!
Supports Beef Unit research and operations by managing forage production, pasture systems, and infrastructure, while assisting with cattle and forage research. Ensures efficient daily operations, accurate data collection and analysis, and clear communication of research activities, including coordination between the lead investigator and center director.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: High school diploma or GED

  • Experience: at least 5 years of agriculture experience

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Knowledge of animal agricultural operations.

    • Ability to accurately record data related research and production activities

    • Ability to work safely and confidently around large farm animals

    • Knowledge and ability to care for beef cattle related needs/welfare and carryout stewardship practices

    • Ability to recognize equipment or maintenance problems

    • Ability to operate large agricultural equipment

    • Ability to perform agricultural/manual labor in inclement weather conditions

    • Ability to work well with others on a daily basis. Self-motivated individual.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree

  • Experience:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Agricultural production practices specific to beef cattle, forage, infrastructure design and crop production.

Work Location

  • Location: Spring Hill, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR05

  • Anticipated hiring range:

  • 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.

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

This Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is a 1265-acre facility located in beautiful Spring Hill, Tennessee, and maintains a diversity of resources and opportunities for UTIA researchers and educators. The Center enjoys the presence and a cooperative working relationship with a number of different departments and faculty at the University of Tennessee.

Implementing research protocols and production practices within Beef Cattle unit:

  • Take lead in the beef cattle research program at MTREC including; organization of needed resources, land, livestock, feedstuffs, and necessary supplies for data collection. Also, implementation of research design and protocols as provided by the PI's workplan, collection of appropriate data as directed by the PI and workplan, analysis research project's data and timeline in order to make informed recommendation to PI and center director concerning beef research programming.

    • Oversight of the center's production practices involving the beef cattle herd, as this is a primary resources for MTREC's research program. Responsibilities on a daily bases include; Health and nutritional oversight and assessment, forage/pasture management including soil testing and analysis of results for proper nutrient application. In addition, Implementation and management of Artificial Insemination program within beef cattle herd.

    • Act as primary communicator with center director related to herd needs; feed, health and marketing.

    • Input and manage record keeping system for beef cattle operations at MTREC, this includes both research and production.

    • Assist State Beef Cattle Specialist in all performing Beef Cattle Management Training courses by managing livestock resource needs as well as all supplies and materials required

    • Assist PLF Coordinator with management and implementation for associated research trials.

    • Assist UT Bull Test at critical times of operations, delivery, monthly weights and sale dates.

  • Assists Center Director with daily production and management:

    • Acquisition of feed, seed, fertilizer and equipment associated with beef production and research programs

    • Acquisition of animal health products for beef unit

    • Act as primary communicator with livestock marketing agents prior to livestock marketing events.; also facilitate collection of required data points and provide interpretation of resulting measures related to production decision.

    • Implementation of animal health protocols

    • Assistance in IACUC and AAALAC compliance, records and inspections

  • Assists with other livestock and production-related agricultural tasks in support of beef unit and leading the management of pasture health, fencing integrity and facilities upkeep and safety.

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