Extension Assistant, Value-Added Agriculture - Center for Profitable Agriculture: UTIA

This position is responsible for providing support to the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative program and other value-added agriculture programming. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 

The Extension Assistant – Value-Added Agriculture will: 

• Assist in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and reporting of educational programs focusing on analyzing and developing value-added dairy and other agricultural enterprises including general business and enterprise-specific regulations. 
• Contribute to the development of Extension educational programs in various functions such as planning team member, coordinator, speaker, moderator, etc. 
• Provide training in value-added enterprise development for Extension agents and Extension specialists. 
• Evaluate and report inputs, outcomes, impacts and accomplishments.
• Develop and expand knowledge of current information and trends in the areas of analyzing, planning and expanding value-added dairy and other enterprises through professional development activities.
• Assume other duties as assigned.

The Extension Assistant is responsible to the director of the Center for Profitable Agriculture and works under the programmatic direction of the Extension Specialist III.

The primary responsibilities of the Extension Assistant will be to:

• Contribute to the development of effective teaching tools such as publications, fact sheets, presentations, worksheets, news releases, websites, social media content, and other creative tools to enhance the delivery and understanding of information about value-added agriculture with special emphasis on value-added dairy products. 
• Develop and distribute program promotional materials such as news releases, flyers, emails, social media content, etc.
• Teach educational programs for farmers, Extension colleagues and industry partners, including appropriate teaching methods to include in-person and virtual delivery.
• Provide technical assistance via personal correspondence and farm visits for producers interested in starting value-added operations or existing producers interested in improving or expanding their operations, with special emphasis on value-added dairy operations.
• Track and report program delivery data.
• Contribute to and build partnerships inside and outside the department and organization. 

Required:

• Provide transcript(s) showing earned Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, agricultural economics, economics, business administration, finance, marketing or related field.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of business and economic fundamentals. 
• Be able to work independently and in teams. 
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing. 
• Demonstrate proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Internet (Web, e-mail), etc. 

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 visa status.

Preferred:

• Demonstrate knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of value-added agriculture and/or value-added dairy industry.
• The ability to use web meeting and conference platforms including Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Have experience using Facebook and Instagram. 
• Have the ability to use WordPress.
• Provide transcript(s) showing earned Master’s degree and/or evidence of experience in related field.

Work Location:

Onsite University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Extension, Center for Profitable Agriculture at the Ridley 4-H Center in Columbia, Tennessee 

 

Application Instructions 

Submit a complete application packet which includes a 

1. Letter of interest, 
2. Resume or curriculum vitae, and
3. Official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred. 

 

For additional information, please contact:

Megan Bruch Leffew, Search Chair

Email: mleffew@utk.edu

Website: https://cpa.tennessee.edu

 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 

Screening of applicants’ credentials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The target start date is November 1, 2025.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

This is a grant funded position funded through grants and other special funds for a period of two years. Continued employment is contingent upon performance and available funding. Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Benefits include group hospitalization and life insurance; State Employees Retirement; Workers’ Compensation; sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs, including liberal time off for holidays and longevity pay after three years of service; reimbursement for official travel. 

 

About The College/Department/Division:

The Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) is a partnership between the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.  We provide educational programming and technical assistance to help Tennessee farmers develop and sustain value-added agricultural enterprises.  CPA supports producers through enterprise analysis, curriculum development, workshops, and applied research, aiming to improve farm income and promote long-term sustainability.

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!