This position will work on educational programming including content development; organization, planning and execution of workshops and demonstrations; and development of asynchronous course content management. This role will be responsible for oversight in extension programming towards improving production practices especially irrigation, and pest management in nursery crops in Tennessee. The person in this position will also coordinate applied research and demonstrations in greenhouse, nursery, and RECs. This is a hands-on position requiring work outdoors. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

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This position will work on educational programming including content development; organization, planning and execution of workshops and demonstrations; and development of asynchronous course content management. This role will be responsible for oversight in extension programming towards improving production practices especially irrigation, and pest management in nursery crops in Tennessee. The person in this position will also coordinate applied research and demonstrations in greenhouse, nursery, and RECs. This is a hands-on position requiring work outdoors.

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Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Biosystems Engineering, Biology, or related degree program. Applicants graduating prior to the position start date are welcome to apply.

• Experience:

  • Two years' applied research or extension assistant experience.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • The candidate must possess proficient written and oral English communication skills, be self-motivated and highly organized, operate autonomously, and willing to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and producers to conduct greenhouse, field, and laboratory research under a range of environmental conditions.

  • Ability to develop graphics with iDraw or comparable software, develop digital presentations, input and manage data using Microsoft Excel.

  • Ability to prepare research reports and extension publications and online learning modules.

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-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Master's degree is preferred.

• Experience:

  • Ability to use SAS or R is desirable.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Experience with Canva, Cornerstone, and software used to develop online learning modules from PowerPoint and Audible files is desired but not essential.

  • Ability to interpret statistical analysis is desired but not essential.

  • Experience working with the Omics Hub or similar lab such as to utilize a fluorometer (protocol provided) is desired but not essential.

  • Pesticide applicator license (Category 10) is desirable but not essential.

Work Location:

• Location: 2431 Joe Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37721
• Onsite

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 noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before April 30, 2026.

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter
• Email and phone for at least 4 Professional References
• Official transcript(s) showing degree(s) conferred

About The College/Department/Division:

The Department of Plant Sciences, part of the Herbert College of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, addresses agricultural and environmental challenges through teaching, research, and Extension. We offer programs in plant sciences and landscape design, conduct research in crop production, genetics, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture, and support growers and industry partners across Tennessee.

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• Develops field days, workshops, and hands-on demonstrations especially those featuring irrigation, and pest management in order to achieve extension goals.
• Developing and updating appropriate media especially on especially those featuring irrigation and pest management, i.e., publications, videos, and other educational media, including asynchronous online modules, such as writing, editing, narrating, photography, layout and design.
• Purchase supplies associated with extension programs.
• Evaluation of extension programming.
• Establish, coordinate, and maintain applied research plots and activities especially related to irrigation and pest management of nursery crops in greenhouse, nurseries, orchards, and laboratory settings.
• Planning and execution of field trial protocols to achieve applied research goals.
• Perform various activities including transplanting, fertilizing, pruning etc. in support of applied research and demonstrations.
• Independently collect, organize, and enter data from applied research trials in an accurate and timely manner.
• Apply treatments accurately.
• Document research results with photographs.
• Purchase supplies associated with applied research.
• Coordinate with collaborating farms and RECs.