University of Tennessee Department of Animal Science Hiring Youth Extension Livestock & Equine Program Specialist

The University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Extension Specialist, Youth and Equine Programs (non-tenured) in the Animal Science Department. This is a salaried, statewide position, with preference for the position to be located in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Position Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership in planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting the impact of livestock educational events and programs for youth clientele
• Effectively communicate with Animal Science Faculty, Extension personnel (on a State, Regional and County level), parents, youth, and other stakeholders with a vested interest in youth livestock programs
• Develop educational programs in cooperation with the State 4-H office to train and develop volunteer leaders for Animal Science projects
• Coordinate in-service training for Extension personnel in the area of youth Animal Science programs
• Develop and coordinate an educational program in show ethics and animal welfare for youth, parents, volunteer leaders, and other clientele
• Secure financial support for the youth livestock programs through cultivation and maintenance of cooperative relationships with organizations, individuals, and relevant industry stakeholders
• Develop new and enhance existing fee-based methods for generating financial support with the goal of youth livestock and equine programming becoming autonomously funded (with the exception of faculty line salaries)
• Execute other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Animal Science Department Head

Requirements to Apply:

• Master of Science degree in Animal Science or a closely related field 
• Knowledge or experience in the field of youth development, or a willingness to learn
• Practical knowledge pertaining to animal agriculture
• Experience showing/exhibiting livestock and/or equine
• Experience in event planning and logistical coordination of large-scale events
• Must be highly motivated and self-directed, able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Must be able to meet overnight travel requirements for this position
• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently through written and oral methods, and resolve conflict professionally
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Practical experience with the use of social media and web-based technologies as a teaching tool

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrate ability to engage and inspire a wide variety of audiences through creative programming, curriculum development, and event planning
• Defined vision of a successful livestock and equine youth development program
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, affinity for networking, and demonstrated high level of confidence and poise when engaging an audience
• Proven ability to multi-task in a highly organized manner; excellent attention to detail
• Experience with strategic planning, budgets, and fund development for program success

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is commensurate with training and experience
• Benefits include group hospitalization and life insurance; State Employees Retirement; Workers' Compensation; study, sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefit programs, including liberal time off for holidays. 

Please apply online by clicking this link: 

• External Applicants 
• Internal Applicants 

A complete application package will include:

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

Dr. Jennie L. Ivey, Search Committee Chair 

UTIA Department of Animal Science 

2506 River Drive Knoxville, TN 37996 

jzivey@utk.edu 

865-974-3157