The Extension Assistant – Value-Added Agriculture Enterprises position is primarily responsible for providing support to the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative program. This position 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. This is a limited duration position funded through grants and other special funds for a period of approximately two years. Continued employment is contingent upon performance and available funding.
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.
Responsibilities
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.
Qualifications
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
- Letter of interest,
- Resume or curriculum vitae, and
- 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.