University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Job Description

Position Title X2523: Extension Agent, Agriculture

County: Shelby County

Clientele Served: Adult

Headquarters: Memphis, TN

Screening of applicants’ credentials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Target Start Date: 04/01/2025

Tennessee Extension agents are teachers who work in rural, suburban and urban areas with people from all social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Our classrooms are everywhere…anywhere a person can learn. The classroom may be the county Extension office, an auditorium, an agribusiness firm, a farm, a suburban garden plot or the family home. Agents also use newspapers, radio, television, web sites, and direct mail (or email) as techniques to reach Tennesseans with the latest research information to improve their lives.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate programs in the areas of Agriculture and Natural Resources with emphasis in horticulture.
• Keep abreast of the latest information in Agriculture, Marketing and Community Economic Development to meet the educational needs of the county.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with Extension staff, commercial producers, agri-business, agricultural agencies, and general public.
• Develop a cadre of supporters and volunteers to aid in the delivery of programs.
• Secure extramural funds through grants, fee-based programs, and gifts.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting of program accomplishments and impacts into the UT Extension reporting system.
• Responsible to the County Director in all administrative and program matters.
• Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or closely related field is required. Horticulture preferred.
• Applicants must have either a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 point scale, a minimum of 3.0 during their senior year of undergraduate study, or must have earned a Master’s degree. Preference will be given to applicants with a MS Degree, and/or work experience in a related field. Applicants graduating prior to the position start date are welcome to apply.
• A complete application package will include a 1) letter of interest, 2) resume or curriculum vitae, and 3) official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred.

Please apply online by clicking this link: Apply for Extension Educator Positions

Internal Applicants:

Request for transfer may be approved if applicant: 

• Has normally been employed with Extension in their current location a minimum of eighteen (18) months. 
• Has a performance rating of satisfactory or above for the previous eighteen (18) months; and 
• Training appropriate for the assignment.
• Attach a complete application package which includes a 1) letter of interest, 2) a resume or curriculum vitae, 3) and official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred. 

Please complete an application online by clicking the link: Apply for Extension Educator Positions 

UT Extension 

212 D Morgan Hall 

Knoxville, TN 37996-4525

Phone: (865) 974-7245

Email: UTExtensionPersonnel@utk.edu

Website: http://utextension.tennessee.edu

Work Location 

• On-Site

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting Salary Based on Education & Experience
• Salary: Commensurate with training and experience. This position is funded jointly by UT Extension and Shelby County. Shelby County Government funds 55% of the position salary and benefits costs.
• Benefits: Group hospitalization and life insurance; State 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. Find more information on UT Benefits here.

Application Instructions 

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials immediately

• 1) letter of interest, 2) a resume or curriculum vitae, 3) and official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred.

About The College/Department/Division 

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. It is a statewide educational organization, funded by federal, state and local governments, that brings research-based information about agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and resource development to the people of Tennessee where they live and work. 

About Us

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative 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. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

Ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates”, “One of America’s Best Large Employers”, “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.