Agriculture Extension Associate

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional benefits

Mentoring program

Staff development fund

Recognition programs

Job summary

The University of Kentucky’s Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Department of Horticulture invites applications for an Agriculture Extension Associate to support sustainable fruit crop production across Kentucky.

The successful candidate will engage growers through farm visits, develop educational materials, coordinate on‑farm demonstrations, and contribute to outreach across state Extension networks, reporting outcomes and impact.

Qualifications

• BA required.
• MS preferred.
• Willingness to travel and work some evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Grower engagement through farm visits, calls, and emails.
• Develop/edits educational materials in publications, videos, graphics, and social media.
• Coordinate on-farm demonstrations, field days, and educational events.
• Plan, promote, and lead grower meetings and county Extension meetings.
• Represent UK at state, regional, and national Extension meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Research data handling

Digital outreach tools

Audience communication

Education

BA

MS in Agriculture

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Agriculture Extension Associate

Requisition Number RE56194

Working Title

Department Name 81110:Horticulture

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 42

Salary Range $17.76-28.43/hour

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification None

Physical Requirements Lifting up to 50 lbs, sitting and/or standing for long periods

Shift Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; will require travel and some evenings/weekends for research, events and farm visits.

Job Summary

The Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Horticulture at the University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate to support sustainable fruit crop production. This position is part of the Extension Associate Team, funded by the Kentucky Horticulture Council. The Extension Associate will help increase the visibility, reach, and impact of fruit Extension programs and existing applied research initiatives by connecting their findings and resources with growers and other stakeholders across Kentucky. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, specialists, Extension associates, and growers to develop and deliver educational programs and resources related to horticultural crop production and marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Grower engagement: Maintain regular contact with fruit growers across Kentucky through farm visits, phone calls, and email.
• Educational content development: Write, edit, and distribute educational materials in a variety of formats, including publications, videos, graphics, and social media.
• Demonstrations and field events: Coordinate and support on‑farm demonstrations, field days, and educational events across the state.
• Workshops and meetings: Plan, promote, and lead educational meetings for growers and county Extension agents.
• State and national outreach: Represent the University of Kentucky at state, regional, and national Extension meetings, presenting findings and program updates.
• Data collection and research: Assist with trial setup and data collection at university research farms, and collaborate with grower partners.
• Reporting: Maintain detailed records of activities, contacts, outcomes, and the impact of Extension initiatives.
• Driver’s license: A valid driver’s license is required.

Why Join Us

At the Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Exceptional benefits package.
• A formal mentoring program to support your professional development
• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.

For additional information about the Horticulture department please click here . To find out more about Martin‑Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here .

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate research findings and technical information into practical guidance for commercial crop producers.
• Ability to organize, synthesize, interpret, and present data clearly.
• Proficiency with digital tools for communication, presentations, and educational outreach.
• Ability to communicate effectively with audiences of varying backgrounds and levels of technical knowledge, including growers, Extension personnel, and academic professionals.

Preferred Education/Experience

• M.S. degree in agriculture or a related field.
• More than three years of work experience related to specialty crop production or specialty crop consulting.
• In‑depth knowledge of specialty crop production systems gained through formal education and practical experience.
• More than three years of experience working directly with commercial crop producers in a consulting, Extension, outreach, or other technical service role.
• Experience communicating technical information to commercial crop producers orally or in writing.
• Experience developing and delivering grower education through presentations, written materials, demonstrations, or other outreach activities.

Deadline to Apply

11/08/2026

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.