Extension Assistant, UT Extension: Department of Plant Sciences – UTIA Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Extension Assistant, UT Extension:

Department of Plant Sciences – UTIA
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Education
Posted on April 09, 2025
Job Description
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking qualified applicants for a regular Extension Assistant I position.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. This is a grant-funded, regular position with that is expected to last approximately 4 years. Additional funding will be sought to continue the position beyond the stated period.

Job Description:

Provide day-to-day support for sustainable ornamental plant production extension and applied research program. Support includes coordinating nursery producer workshops, field days, online programming, and field-based demonstrations at UT Research and Educations Centers and with nursery producers. Central topics include 1) improving cost efficiency through substrate selection, fertilizer placement, and enhanced irrigation technology and 2) evaluating automated laser-guided fungicide and herbicide spray application technology, automated laser-guided plant inventory, and other high- and low-tech forms of automation to improve nursery efficiency and profitability. More information about the program can be viewed at: plantsciences.tennessee/sustainable-nursery-crop-and-landscape-management/
The Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking qualified applicants for a regular Extension Assistant I position.
Responsibilities
Confer with the extension specialist on extension objectives and oversee day-to-day extension program planning, preparing, conducting and evaluating
Under the supervision of the specialist, develop and maintain extension demonstrations and applied research plots including plant care, collect data, photograph demonstrations, and summarize outcomes into a format useful to the nursery crop industry
Revise, develop distance learning modules
Work with the specialist to manage funded projects, including reporting and recordkeeping
Supervise undergraduate students
Contribute to report/proceedings/manuscript preparation
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences, entomology, plant pathology, biosystems engineering, biology, or related field.
Two years’ applied research or extension assistant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Must have a valid U.S. driver license at time of application and a safe driving record
Must be well-organized, including preparation for off-campus projects, have the ability to plan ahead, and be able to manage and prioritize responsibilities for multiple projects
Must be able to effectively communicate in English, orally and in writing
Our ideal candidate has:
Must be reliable and flexible. Care for plants, time-sensitive data collection and other responsibilities may necessitate limited weekend and holiday responsibilities; occasional overnight travel required
This position has a substantial field component. Must be able to work long hours on occasion as well as travel to middle Tennessee during field season (generally day trips) and work in a range of outdoor weather conditions.
Must have the ability to apply sound judgment, represent the University positively, work independently, communicate, and collaborate effectively
UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee County, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities, to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.
Interested applicants should apply at and attach the following:
Letter of Interest
Curriculum vita or resume
Phone and email contact information for 4 references
Official transcript(s) showing degree(s) conferred
Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Contact:

For additional information, please contact
Dr. Amy Fulcher
301 Ag. And Natural Resources Building
2505 E.J. Chapman Drive
Knoxville

TN 379996

Fax:

(865) 974-1947

TTY/TTD:

(865) 974-7245

E-mail:

afulcherutk

Web Site:

utextension.tennessee