Precision Agriculture Technologies Extension Specialist
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 10, 2024
Description
Tenure Track Assistant Professor or Tenured Associate Professor, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science (BESS) Department. This is a full-time, 12-month, 100% Extension appointment.
Overview: The University of Tennessee Extension is a strong educational and research partner in the effort to improve row crop production systems. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized Extension and applied research Precision Agriculture Technology Program. Specific areas of emphasis could include but are not limited to Precision Agriculture Machinery, Sensing and Control Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Autonomous Agriculture Systems.
Primary Responsibilities:
Ph.D. in Biosystems, Biological, or Agricultural Engineering preferred; Ph.D. in other disciplines will be considered only if the applicant has a BS or MS degree in Engineering. Required terminal degree research focus on Precision Agriculture Technologies and/or demonstrated development of an extramurally-funded Extension/Research Program in Precision Agriculture Technologies. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills, a willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams and an understanding Precision Agriculture Technologies applied to row crop production systems. Professional Engineer license/license eligibility is desired.
Application Instructions
Screening of applicants will begin October 4, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, email a current curriculum vita, a 1-page letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, official transcripts, and arrange for three letters of reference. Please submit this directly via Interfolio, and address any questions regarding the program or positions to Search Committee Chair Dr. Shawn Hawkins, at shawkins@utk.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@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.
Tenure Track Assistant Professor or Tenured Associate Professor, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science (BESS) Department. This is a full-time, 12-month, 100% Extension appointment.
Overview: The University of Tennessee Extension is a strong educational and research partner in the effort to improve row crop production systems. The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized Extension and applied research Precision Agriculture Technology Program. Specific areas of emphasis could include but are not limited to Precision Agriculture Machinery, Sensing and Control Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Autonomous Agriculture Systems.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop, deliver and evaluate an Extension Program in the area of Precision Agriculture Technology that focuses on row crop production systems. This Program will employ innovative teaching strategies and methodologies adapted to diverse audiences including agricultural producers, Extension Agents and Specialist, professional consultants, as well as state, regional, national, and international leaders.
- Acquire extramural funding to develop & deliver a Precision Agriculture Technology Extension Program.
- Acquire extramural funding to support a Precision Agriculture Technology applied research Program that includes the training of BESS graduate students and peer-reviewed publication of research results.
- Publish peer reviewed Extension and journal articles as well as BESS Extension fact sheets.
- Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with BESS Research and Extension faculty and professional partners to translate and teach advancements in Precision Agriculture Technologies.
- Collaboratively develop and field test or demonstrate Precision Agriculture technologies. Focus areas could include but are not limited to crop sensing systems, “smart” sprayers/applicators for nutrients, herbicides, and pesticides, and field mapping and yield monitoring systems developed to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of row crop production systems.
- Collaboratively develop and evaluate “smart” machinery systems such as planters, nutrient applicators, herbicide/pesticide sprayers, harvesters, and other advanced row crop management equipment.
- Develop collaborative and advisory relationships with agricultural producers, BESS Research and Extension faculty, Extension Agents, and equipment manufacturers to improve the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of row crop production systems using Precision Agriculture Technologies.
- Provide leadership to state-level 4-H youth programs, including the 4-H Electric Camp.
- Participate in the service activities of the Department, Institute, University and profession.
Ph.D. in Biosystems, Biological, or Agricultural Engineering preferred; Ph.D. in other disciplines will be considered only if the applicant has a BS or MS degree in Engineering. Required terminal degree research focus on Precision Agriculture Technologies and/or demonstrated development of an extramurally-funded Extension/Research Program in Precision Agriculture Technologies. The successful candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills, a willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams and an understanding Precision Agriculture Technologies applied to row crop production systems. Professional Engineer license/license eligibility is desired.
Application Instructions
Screening of applicants will begin October 4, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. To apply, email a current curriculum vita, a 1-page letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, official transcripts, and arrange for three letters of reference. Please submit this directly via Interfolio, and address any questions regarding the program or positions to Search Committee Chair Dr. Shawn Hawkins, at shawkins@utk.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@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.
