Extension Assistant, Department of Plant Sciences UTIA

This position will work on educational programming including content development; organization planning and execution of workshops and demonstrations; and development of asynchronous course content role will be responsible for oversight in extension programming towards improving production practices especially irrigation and pest management in nursery crops in 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.

• 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 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.

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-basedvisa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Masters 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 structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

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.