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Extension Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collaborating with existing corn research and Extension faculty at NC State University to: * Develop cutting-edge research to improve agronomic recommendations. * Deliver technical training to ...

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How much do extension faculty jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for extension faculty in the United States is $98,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Extension Faculty face when engaging with diverse communities, and how can they address them?

Extension Faculty often work with communities that have varied backgrounds, needs, and expectations. One common challenge is building trust and rapport, especially in areas where residents may be unfamiliar with university outreach. To address this, Extension Faculty should prioritize active listening, cultural sensitivity, and consistent follow-through on commitments. Adapting educational materials to fit local contexts and collaborating with community leaders can also enhance participation and program effectiveness.

What is the difference between Extension Faculty vs Extension Educator?

AspectExtension FacultyExtension Educator
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant fieldUsually holds a master's degree, sometimes a doctorate, depending on the position
Work EnvironmentUniversity or college campus, research centers, or extension officesCommunity-based settings, farms, or local extension offices
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research institutionsState or county extension services, agricultural agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles in extension programsLearning about community outreach and educational roles in extension

Extension Faculty and Extension Educator roles often overlap but differ mainly in their work environment and employer. Extension Faculty are typically based at universities and focus on research and academic responsibilities, while Extension Educators work directly within communities, focusing on outreach and education. Both roles require relevant degrees, but their daily activities and settings distinguish them.

What are Extension Faculty?

Extension Faculty are educators employed by universities, typically within land-grant institutions, who provide research-based educational programs and resources to the public. They work in communities to address local needs in areas like agriculture, youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community development. Extension Faculty often collaborate with local organizations, conduct workshops, and deliver outreach programs to help individuals and communities apply scientific research to real-life challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Extension Faculty, and why are they important?

To thrive as Extension Faculty, you need expertise in your subject area (such as agriculture, education, or community development), a relevant advanced degree, and experience in teaching or outreach. Familiarity with instructional technologies, data analysis tools, and program evaluation systems is often required. Strong communication, cultural competence, and relationship-building skills help you engage diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills are vital for effectively translating research into practical solutions and fostering positive community impact.
More about Extension Faculty jobs
What states have the most Extension Faculty jobs? States with the most job openings for Extension Faculty jobs include:
Infographic showing various Extension Faculty job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,797 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series

Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series
Requisition Number
FE04916
Working Title
Department Name
81500:Dietetics and Human Nutrition
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track
Required Education
Candidates must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN) in the field of dietetics or human nutrition (or a related field).
Required Related Experience
Evidence of expertise in applied research, strong written and oral communication skills to translate science for technical and non-technical audiences, and experience in community engagement is expected
Required License/Registration/Certification
NA
Job Summary
Location: Lexington, KY
The Position:
The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-eligible assistant professor position in the Extension Title Series. The position has an expected distribution of effort (DOE) of approximately 75% Extension, 20% instruction, and 5% service through annual agreement with the Department Chair. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027.
The University of Kentucky is a Land-Grant University that holds a tripartite mission of research, teaching, and extension. Extension refers to sharing research and innovations with the people, organizations, and communities of the Commonwealth through outreach initiatives, such as the Cooperative Extension. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is the most comprehensive outreach and engagement program of the University. This Extension faculty position is based on campus and will support communities in Kentucky with research and training that addresses local needs.
The successful candidate is expected to: 1) develop, implement, and evaluate innovative nutrition programming that addresses the health and wellness needs of Kentucky; 2) secure funding to conduct applied research that supports extension activities; 3) provide educational leadership and expertise for the Cooperative Extension Service and statewide networks related to nutrition's role in health and wellness; 4) build mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of stakeholders to co-produce and implement innovations that address nutrition, health, and wellness issues; 5) support experiential learning opportunities for students through outreach and engagement efforts; 6) exhibit excellence in classroom instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (instruction includes Advanced Nutrition and/or Nutritional Biochemistry); 7) support and expand multidisciplinary opportunities with other units in the college and at the university.
For more information about the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, please visit https://dhn.mgcafe.uky.edu/.
Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN) in the field of dietetics or human nutrition (or a related field). RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky is preferred. Evidence of expertise in applied research, strong written and oral communication skills to translate science for technical and non-technical audiences, and experience in community engagement is expected. As well, evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected. The main areas of teaching can vary and be determined by department needs and candidate experience and expertise; however, a professional background or experience teaching in nutrition biochemistry and/or advanced nutrition (micronutrients) is preferred.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total wellbeing and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work-life integration. The university generously contributes to employees' retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.
Application:
Application materials should be in PDF format and include:
• Application cover letter describing background and expertise specifically related to this position at the University of Kentucky
• Career CV
• Statement of extension and applied research interests (1-2 pages; upload under Special Request)
• Statement of teaching (1-2 pages; upload under Special Request)
• Names and contact information for three references (upload under Specific Request)
Application materials should be submitted by August 1, 2026.
The Environment:
The department's Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Accelerated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ACP) are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). In addition, the department offers a BS in Human Nutrition, MS in Nutrition and Food Systems (with fully online option), two undergraduate certificates (Nurition Issues in Physical Activity and Food Systems and Hunger Studies), and one graduate certificate (Applied Nutrition and Culinary Medicine). The dietetics and human nutrition curriculum incorporates high-impact experiential learning experiences including internships, undergraduate research, and international and domestic study programs. The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition has a rich tradition of community engagement and integration in Extension projects throughout the Commonwealth. Faculty service includes service on departmental and college committees and participation in student-focused events such as Commencement.
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MGCAFE) is fulfilling the land-grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready.
For more than 130 years, MGCAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high-tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science-based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky's 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4-H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.
Questions and Nominations Contact:
Courtney Luecking
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
University of Kentucky
859-257-9047
Courtney.Luecking@uky.edu
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky is preferred; evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected.
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
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 or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
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.

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About University of Kentucky

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The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

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Year founded

1865