The Extension Animal Waste Management and Farm Animal Environmental Housing Control Specialist is expected to develop a comprehensive, statewide research and Extension program focusing on both animal waste and organic residues management and environmental control of confined farm animal (poultry and livestock) housing. These areas of expertise specifically encompass waste management, land application of manure, biosolids, and other organic waste streams, livestock mortality management, and environmental controls for farm animal confinement systems that protect animal welfare and promote efficient production. This role supports public health, animal health and welfare, minimizes air and surface/groundwater pollution, and poultry and livestock production efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Perform needs assessments and provide technical expertise for:
- efficient management of manure and other organic residuals
- environmental control of confined farm animal housing systems using precision livestock farming technologies
- Advise stakeholders on:
- manure and other organic waste collection, storage, treatment, and disposal processes (e.g., composting, rendering, anaerobic digestion, incineration)
- compliance with air and surface/groundwater pollution regulations
- environmental control of confined farm animal housing systems that ensure welfare and promote efficient production
- Seek extramural funding to support an Extension outreach and education program
- Seek extramural funding to support basic and applied research that supports Extension programming
- Conduct research and publish findings in referred journal articles
- Develop outreach programs that train Extension Agents and other stakeholders on:
- appropriate manure and biological residuals management methods and strategies
- environmental control of confined farm animal housing systems
- Disseminate research-based solutions using a variety of formats such as Extension publications, websites, as well at field days and technical meetings
- Participate in the committee and governance structure of the Department, Institute, and University, and other duties as assigned
- Travel as required to fulfill statewide educational responsibilities
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Biosystems, Biological, Agricultural, Environmental, or other closely related engineering discipline
- Ability to develop and implement impactful Extension programming
- Capacity and desire to work cooperatively in multi-disciplinary teams and the ability to obtain and administer extramural funds
- Ability and desire to direct graduate student research, publish articles in professional journals, and prepare educational materials in support of program area
- Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience and a strong background in manure waste management and farm animal environmental housing control engineering
- Registration as a Professional Engineer or eligibility for P.E. licensure in Tennessee
Candidates for Assistant Professor must show promise of developing a nationally recognized Extension and research program in waste management systems and livestock environmental control technologies. Candidates for Associate Professor must have achieved a nationally recognized record in Extension and research programming in waste management systems and/or livestock environmental control technologies. Candidates for Professor must have achieved and maintained a significant, impactful record of a nationally recognized Extension and research program in waste management systems and/or livestock environmental control technologies.
Application Instructions
Applicant screening begins September 1, 2026 and continues until the position is filled. To apply, use the position link at https://apply.interfolio.com/185899 to submit a current CV, a 1-page letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, official transcripts, and three letters of reference. For questions, contact Dr. Robert Burns, Search Committee Chair, at rburns@utk.edu.
Work Location
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Compensation and Benefits
- Starting Salary Based on Education & Experience
Benefits: Group hospitalization and life insurance; State Retirement; Workers’ Compensation; sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs, including liberal time off for holidays, and longevity pay after three years of service; reimbursement for official travel. Find more information on UT Benefits here.
About The BESS Department
The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science brings broad engineering and scientific expertise to issues of sustainable development and resource stewardship. Specific topics include productive and sustainable agriculture, soil and water resource management, impacts of climate change, machines and systems for optimized performance, construction science, and fuels and value-added products from renewable resources. We produce well-prepared and motivated graduates (BS through PhD), discover new knowledge through research, and share that knowledge by engaging with scientific communities, industries, agencies, and individuals throughout Tennessee and the world. Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science (BESS) has three-degree programs: 1) Biosystems Engineering (BSE), 2) Environmental Science (ES), and 3) Construction Science and Management (CSM) and three MS programs (BSE, ESS and Biosystems Engineering Technology) and two PhD programs (BSE and ESS). In addition to its undergraduate and graduate teaching duties, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science also carries out a broad range of research, from basic through applied, and transfers that technology to its clientele via a range of Extension programs and other activities.
Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK
About UTK
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates”, “One of America’s Best Large Employers”, “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
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 accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 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 and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email at investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.
