POSITION X2471 Extension Specialist, Value-Added Agriculture Marketing

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

EFFECTIVE DATE Screening of applicants’ credentials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Target start date is February 1, 2025.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Extension Specialist – Value-Added Agriculture Marketing provides leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating statewide educational programs in value-added agriculture marketing (analysis, development, evaluation and enhancement). The position is a full-time, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a statewide Extension educational program in value-added agriculture marketing.
• Develop effective teaching tools and participate in educational programs as coordinator, planning team member, instructor and facilitator.
• Provide individual consultations and assistance to clients and provide training for Extension agents and specialists.
• Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status.
• Secure external funding for programs that promote and strengthen value-added agriculture and direct marketing activities through grants, contracts, sponsorships, gifts and/or fees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Business Administration or closely related field. Applicants graduating prior to target start date are welcome to apply.
• Knowledge and skills that demonstrate promise in Extension program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Internet (Web, e-mail), etc.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission.
• Knowledge of or experience in agriculture.