Careers

UT Extension delivers programs to youth and adults in all 95 counties of Tennessee. As a member of our team you would join over 100 subject matter specialists and more than 300 agents to address priority issues through Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H or Resource Development programs. Join us and you can be the difference through your educational efforts in improving the quality of life for Tennesseans!

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.

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Persons applying for Extension Agent positions must meet the degree requirements listed in the job opportunity announcement. Normally for positions working in Agriculture & Natural Resources or Human/Environmental Sciences must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or Family and Consumer Sciences.

Applicants with Education or closely-related degrees will be considered for positions with 100% 4-H youth responsibility.

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 Masters degree.

Formal training beyond the baccalaureate degree or work experience is preferred when applicable to the position being sought.

Recent employment in a profession directly related to Extension education , or recent college coursework directly related to Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences or a closely related program is preferred.

Applicants are expected to pursue programs of professional improvement including subject-matter in-service training and graduate level programs.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, or be lawfully eligible for employment in the United States.

Applicants must exhibit professional characteristics, such as cooperation, reliability, technical and academic competency, leadership skills, and effective communications skills.

Applicants must be willing and will be required to work with all clientele, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion or veteran status.

Applicants must be acceptable to the respective county’s Agricultural Extension Advisory Committee.

Acceptance of a position with The University of Tennessee Extension is considered acceptance of the provisions listed above.

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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.

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The Tennessee Extension Internship Program brings parts of four individual internship programs together under one collaborative effort. Internship programs from Agriculture, Natural Resources & Community Economic Development, Family and Consumer Sciences (Career Edge), and the Minority Internship Programs from both UT and TSU are managed as a cooperative effort while maintaining the flexibility needed to meet diverse needs.

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The Agent In Training (AIT) position is used as a diversity recruiting tool to attract under served candidates to Extension. The AIT will work alongside county agents and staff to develop and deliver Extension programs to improve the quality of life and solve problems for the citizens of Tennessee through the application of research and evidenced-based knowledge in the areas of 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community Economic Development. This is a 6-month limited duration position with the expectation that the AIT will seek a permanent position as a county agent. AIT will continue to apply for Agent vacancies while they achieve experience.

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All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equity & Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or oed@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.