Agriculture Extension Specialist Sr

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky invites applications for an Agriculture Extension Specialist Senior to lead the Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative. This role coordinates Extension, research, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships across focus areas, serving as a bridge among faculty, staff, Extension professionals, students, and external partners.

The position develops stakeholder-focused educational resources and outreach grounded in current science,

Qualifications

• PhD required with at least 3 years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience coordinating complex initiatives and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation, evaluation, and improvement of the Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative.
• Lead planning, scheduling, reporting, and coordination to align budgets, deliverables, and objectives.
• Develop and curate stakeholder-focused Extension resources and outreach products grounded in current science.
• Collaborate with faculty, Extension personnel, and partners to identify educational needs related to water, climate, and sustainability.
• Facilitate communication among interdisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups.
• Monitor program progress, document accomplishments and impacts, and prepare reports and assessments.
• Coordinate workshops, outreach activities, participant registration, and event logistics.
• Collect and analyze evaluation data to assess program effectiveness and disseminate outcomes.

Skills

Water & climate expertise

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Facilitation

Leadership & relationship management

Education

PhD

Biosystems/Agricultural Engineering PhD

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Agriculture Extension Specialist Sr

Requisition Number

RE56051

Working Title

Extension Programs & Partnerships Lead, Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative

Department Name

81050:BIOSYSTEMS & AGR ENGINEERING

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

48

Salary Range

$64,210-105,914/year

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Required Education

PhD

Required Related Experience

3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects. Standing/sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday- Friday; 8:00 am- 5:00 pm.; Additional hours and weekends may be required for meetings, research and instruction.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Specialist Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This position provides leadership and coordination for the Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative by aligning Extension, research, stakeholder engagement, and partnership activities across multiple focus areas. The role serves as a key connector among faculty, staff, Extension professionals, students, and external partners while leading the development of stakeholder-focused educational resources and outreach efforts that address Kentucky’s evolving water, climate, and sustainability challenges.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative.
• Lead planning, scheduling, reporting, and coordination efforts to ensure alignment of activities, budgets, deliverables, and strategic objectives.
• Develop and curate stakeholder-focused Extension resources, educational materials, fact sheets, and outreach products grounded in current science and best practices.
• Collaborate with faculty, subject matter experts, Extension personnel, and partners to identify and address emerging educational needs related to water, climate, and sustainability.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, partner organizations, and stakeholder groups.
• Monitor program progress, document accomplishments and impacts, and prepare reports and assessments that support initiative goals.
• Coordinate workshops, outreach activities, participant registration, and event logistics.
• Collect and analyze evaluation data to assess program effectiveness and support dissemination of initiative outcomes and resources.

What You’ll Bring

• Expertise in water, climate, and sustainability topics and their application to Extension education and outreach.
• Strong program management, strategic planning, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to translate scientific knowledge into accessible educational resources and communication products.
• Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively across disciplines, organizations, and stakeholder groups.
• Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and consensus-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, budget administration, and reporting skills.
• Commitment to customer service, continuous learning, and organizational excellence.
• Demonstrated leadership and relationship management skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Doctoral degree
• 3 years of related experience
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Education/Experience

PhD in Biosystems, Agricultural Engineering, or similar

What’s In It For You

• Opportunity to help shape and advance a high-impact initiative addressing Kentucky’s water, climate, and sustainability priorities.
• Collaborative work environment that brings together faculty, Extension professionals, students, and external partners from multiple disciplines.
• Access to a formal mentoring program that supports professional growth and career development.
• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Participation in staff recognition programs that celebrate contributions and accomplishments.
• Opportunity to contribute to the University of Kentucky’s mission of being the University of, for, and with Kentucky.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?

The Bill Gatton Foundation Integrated Water, Climate, and Sustainability Initiative represents a significant opportunity to enhance collaboration across research, Extension, outreach, and partnership efforts to address complex challenges facing Kentucky communities and industries. As stakeholder needs continue to evolve, this role will help ensure that educational resources, partnerships, and program activities remain coordinated, scientifically sound, impactful, and responsive to emerging issues while strengthening the University’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes across the Commonwealth.

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

Possess technical expertise in water, climate, and sustainability issues

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Deadline to Apply

11/07/2026

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.