Agriculture Extension Associate Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work eligibility

Formal mentoring program

Staff development fund

Exceptional benefits

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Lexington. This role provides comprehensive operational, fiscal, and program coordination support for ANR and Horticulture Extension initiatives across Kentucky.

The successful candidate will coordinate statewide programs, manage administrative processes, budgets, procurement, grants, contracts, and support effective program delivery with

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience 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 and implement practical solutions.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Experience utilizing SAP and IRIS systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide ANR and Horticulture Extension programs, conferences, trainings, educational events, stakeholder engagement, and initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university departments, vendors, granting agencies, and external partners.
• Manage budgets, procurement, grants, contracts, inventory, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Prepare and maintain university forms, documentation, records, and transactions per policies.
• Coordinate personnel-related activities and provide administrative and fiscal support for the Ag Programs office.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical records of personnel, purchasing, and financial transactions.
• Provide logistical coordination and on-site support for meetings, conferences, trainings, and events.
• Interpret policies, recommend improvements, and resolve operational issues.

Skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Financial/process knowledge

Excel

Policy interpretation

Teamwork

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Excel

Word

SAP

IRIS

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Agriculture Extension Associate Senior

Requisition Number RE55847

Working Title

Department Name 81380:AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 44

Salary Range $44,678-71,469/year

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education MS

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 Driver’s License required

Physical Requirements Lifting, pushing, pulling objects up to 50 lbs; sitting for long periods of time; other office and event related requirements

Shift Monday – Friday. Occasional need for some weekends and evenings.

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

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Advanced MS Office skills; strong communication; multitasking; initiative; teamworking abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Driver’s license,

Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026

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.