Assistant/Associate/Full-Professor - Animal Waste Management and Farm Animal Environmental Housing Control Specialist

Job Details

Assistant/Associate/Full-Professor - Animal Waste Management and Farm Animal Environmental Housing Control Specialist

Location: Knoxville, TN

Open Date: May 4, 2026

Description:

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 protection, 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 June 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.