Agriculture Extension Associate Senior

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work eligibility with approval

Mentoring program

Staff development fund

Job summary

University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service seeks an Agriculture Extension Associate Senior to coordinate statewide ANR and Horticulture Extension programs, providing administrative, financial, and program support across Kentucky. You will liaise with Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, and stakeholders while managing budgets, grants, procurement, and records.

The role requires strong organizational skills, policy interpretation, and experience with SAP and IRIS.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with financial, purchasing, payroll, and administrative processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Office applications.
• Knowledge of university business systems, expense accounting, and purchasing processes.
• Ability to interpret policies and implement practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide ANR and Horticulture Extension programs, conferences, trainings, events, and initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Serve as a liaison for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university departments, vendors, and external partners.
• Manage operational activities related to budgets, procurement, grants, contracts, inventory, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Prepare, process, and maintain university forms, documents, and transactions per policies.
• Coordinate personnel activities and provide administrative and fiscal support for the Ag Programs office.
• Supervise temporary staff, student workers, and volunteers.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning

Multitasking

Customer service

Communication

Relationship-building

Microsoft Excel

Education

Master's degree

Tools

SAP

IRIS

Job description

Coordinate Statewide Extension Programs and Strengthen Operational Excellence Across Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

This position provides comprehensive operational, fiscal, and program coordination support for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and Horticulture Extension initiatives across Kentucky. The successful candidate will serve as a central resource for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university partners, and stakeholders while coordinating statewide programs, managing administrative processes, and supporting the effective delivery of Extension services.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate statewide ANR and Horticulture Extension programs, conferences, trainings, educational events, stakeholder engagement activities, and strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Serve as a key liaison for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university departments, vendors, granting agencies, and external partners across Kentucky.
• Manage and support operational activities related to budgets, procurement, grants, contracts, inventory, payroll, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Prepare, process, and maintain university forms, documentation, records, and transactions in compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Coordinate personnel-related activities and provide administrative and fiscal support for the Ag Programs office.
• Monitor and maintain accurate electronic and physical records related to personnel, purchasing, financial transactions, and office operations.
• Provide logistical coordination and on-site support for meetings, conferences, trainings, and special events.
• Interpret university policies, recommend process improvements, and independently resolve operational issues to support effective program delivery.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of temporary employees, student workers, work-study students, and volunteers.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and serve as the department’s business office point of contact with college business center staff and grant officers.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with financial, purchasing, payroll, and administrative processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of university business systems, expense accounting, and purchasing processes.
• Ability to analyze situations, solve problems, and implement practical solutions.
• Strong teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, maintain compliance, and ensure accuracy in administrative operations.
• Experience utilizing SAP and IRIS systems and related training.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree
• Valid driver’s license

What’s In It For You

• Opportunity to support impactful Agriculture and Natural Resources and Horticulture Extension programs that serve communities across Kentucky.
• Collaborative work environment focused on professional growth, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Access to a formal mentoring program designed to support career development.
• Eligibility to participate in a staff development fund for continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Staff recognition programs that celebrate employee contributions and accomplishments.
• Hybrid work eligibility with approval.
• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the University of Kentucky’s statewide Extension efforts.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?

As Extension programs continue to expand their reach and impact across Kentucky, strong operational coordination is essential to ensuring programs, grants, events, and stakeholder initiatives are delivered effectively and efficiently.

This role provides critical support for statewide Agriculture and Natural Resources and Horticulture initiatives by connecting people, resources, and processes. The Agriculture Extension Associate Senior will help maintain operational excellence, strengthen partnerships, and ensure programs have the administrative and fiscal support needed to advance the mission of Extension across the Commonwealth.

Internal Employee Being Considered