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

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Columbia, TN, USA

Posted on Aug 28, 2026

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.
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!
This Extension Specialist I position exists to provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating a statewide educational program in Tennessee Landowner Education concentrating on the analysis and development of new farm enterprises and entrepreneurship. The program is intended to educate Tennessee landowners about opportunities to preserve existing farmland; identify and analyze value-added agriculture opportunities; and achieve landowner objectives. The position is full-time, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position.

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.

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.

  • 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.
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