The Extension Specialist – New Farm Enterprise and Entrepreneurship provides leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating statewide educational programs in value-added agriculture; landowner education; and enterprise analysis, planning, development, management and sustainability. The position is full-time, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position.

• Develop a farm entrepreneurship guidebook and curriculum
• Develop new farm enterprise and entrepreneurship workshop series
• Provide consultations and technical assistance for various identified subject matter topics
• Coordinate efforts in entrepreneurship coaching, leadership and mentorship
• Develop reactive and proactive programs for new enterprise idea generation
• Collaborate on landowner education programs (face-to-face and online)
• Serve as a liaison with Farming Fundamentals, Master Farm Manager,youth entrepreneurship (4-H), and other relevant programs

Required: 

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

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: 

• Knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission. 
• Knowledge of or experience in agriculture. 
• Knowledge of value-added enterprise analysis, development and operation.
• Knowledge and skills of how to develop and conduct Extension educational programs for value-added enterprises.
• Knowledge and skills in grant writing and proposal preparation for external funding.

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. 

LOCATION: On Site 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. The target start date is October 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. 

For additional information, please contact:

Megan Bruch Leffew, Search Chair

Email: mleffew@utk.edu

Website: https://cpa.tennessee.edu