Agriculture Extension Director Assistant

Job Title
Agriculture Extension Director Assistant

Requisition Number
RE55676

Working Title

Department Name
81170:Program and Staff Development

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
00

Salary Range

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

No set minimum requirements.

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

No set minimum requirements.

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Periods of prolonged sitting, some professional travel, and repetitive motion.

Shift

Primarily days, some possible evening and weekend activities

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment invites applications for the
Director of the Pathfinder Program, a strategic leadership opportunity focused on addressing the national shortage of equine veterinarians and shaping the future of equine veterinary medicine. The Director will lead this high-impact initiative by expanding strategic partnerships across the veterinary profession and equine industry. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to create meaningful educational and career pathways that prepare the next generation of equine veterinarians and contribute to the long-term vitality of the profession.

About the Role
The Director of the Pathfinder Program will provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for a new philanthropic initiative designed to prepare potential equine veterinarians for practice through enhanced pre-veterinary education and experiential learning. The Pathfinder Program responds to the national shortage of equine veterinarians by expanding engagement, strengthening preparation for veterinary medicine, and increasing access to hands-on equine training opportunities. The Program should leverage, build upon and amplify existing equine-centric efforts in the Pre-Veterinary Mentoring Program at the University of Kentucky.

The Director will be responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating Pathfinder Program activities in alignment with institutional priorities, donor intent, and the mission of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. They will collaborate with faculty and staff, equine practitioners, veterinary partners, industry stakeholders, and college and university leaders to develop meaningful experiences and pathways for individuals interested in equine veterinary medicine. The position will report to the Director of the Pre-Veterinary Mentoring Program.

The Director will lead efforts to expand hands-on learning, mentorship, internship placements, outreach programming, educational support, and post-graduation tracking to help prepare well-qualified individuals for veterinary school and support long-term retention in equine practice.

Why Join Us
At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Exceptional benefits package.

• A formal mentoring program to support your professional development

• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building

• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions

• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.
To find out more about Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky,
Click Here

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000–$120,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, implement, and evaluate complex programs or initiatives in an academic, agricultural, veterinary, or industry setting. Knowledge of equine veterinary medicine, pre-veterinary education pathways, experiential learning, or agricultural workforce development. Experience building partnerships with faculty, practitioners, industry stakeholders, clinical partners, schools, youth organizations, or community-based organizations. Demonstrated commitment to student success, hands-on learning, mentoring, and career preparation.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Master’s degree required; doctoral or professional degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, equine science, agricultural education, higher education, or a closely related field preferred.

Driver’s License preferred

Deadline to Apply
10/01/2026

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.