Administrative Specialist - Ames AgResearch & Education Center

Administrative Specialist

Ames AgResearch and Education Center (REC) in Grand Junction, TN

Ames REC located in Grand Junction, TN is part of the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Stations System. Ames is privately owned by the Hobart Ames Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, charitable foundation and co-managed by the Trustees of the Foundation and the AgResearch Division of the Institute of Agriculture.

Hobart Ames Foundation: The Trustees of the Hobart Ames Foundation own and operate the Ames REC according to the Will of the late Julia Colony Ames. The Trustees have complete oversight as to the property, finances, equipment and infrastructure located on the 18,400 acres. The Trustees have final decision-making authority regarding management of the property. The Ames REC does abide by the policies and procedures set forth by The University of Tennessee for all of the Research & Education Centers and the Foundation Trustees do consult with the Dean of AgResearch when there is possible conflict.

Mission Statement for Ames REC: To conduct agricultural research and educational activities on all aspects of row-crop & livestock commodities as well as forestry/wildlife programs. For conducting the National Championship for field trialing bird dogs in February of each year on ~6,000 acres of Ames field trial courses, and to preserve the cultural resources found on Ames and educate the public on their significance.

AGRESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER INFORMATION

One of ten outdoor research and teaching laboratories in the University of Tennessee AgResearch System, the Ames REC serves the agricultural community of west Tennessee. The center is located near Grand Junction, TN, 365 miles west of the main campus in Knoxville. Created in 1950 as a Field Station via the Will of the late Julia Colony Ames and originally known as Ames Plantation, the facility’s name was changed to the Ames AgResearch and Education Center to more accurately reflect the center’s mission to meet agricultural research and information needs of West Tennessee. The center includes some 18,400 acres to meet the scientists’ needs. Research performed at the center strives to help landowners produce better and more abundant row-crops, while another research focus is on forestry/wildlife management and livestock management practices. The Center has the 3rd oldest Aberdeen Angus beef cattle herd in the nation and is home to the National Championship for field trialing bird dogs, which is held the 2nd Monday of February each year.

The Ames REC hosts numerous industry and public tours, as well as, specialty field days that occur at different times of the year. The Center also hosts In-service training for AgResearch and Extension personnel in addition to other technology transfer events.

Information about UT AgResearch may be found at https://agresearch.tennessee.edu/ and information specific to the Ames REC can be found at http://www.amesplantation.org

LOCATION INFORMATION

Ames is approximately, 45 miles South of Jackson, TN, 60 miles east of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River and 35 miles northeast of Holly Springs, Mississippi. The southeastern tip of Ames is located 1 ½ miles northwest of Grand Junction, TN while the Ames Office is located 6 miles northwest of the town. Grand Junction is home to the National Bird Dog Museum, Hall of Fame and Wildlife Heritage Center. The Museum houses the Hall of Fame for Pointer & Setter bird dogs with their respective owners & handlers, as well as the Labrador Retrievers and 10 of the Continental breeds. Somerville, TN is 16 miles to the north/northwest of Ames and is the county seat of Fayette County. Approximately 14,900 acres of Ames is located in Fayette County while about 3,500 acres is in Hardman County where the county seat is Bolivar, TN, 18 miles northeast of Ames.

POSITION DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Position provides accounting and financial control to the Ames AgResearch and Education Center
• Provides administrative support for the Center Director and staff.
• Performs all accounting duties, financial data entry duties, ledger reconciliation, and provides clerical and administrative support for the Center.
• This position provides support for Center personnel and programs involved in teaching, education, and research.
• Provides administrative and accounting support that requires specialized knowledge, experience, and abilities.
• Position must be knowledgeable in the use of various computer software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, QuickBooks, and IRIS.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of administrative experience required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience with a financial management system such as QuickBooks
• Experience with accounting, strong quantitative skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 5-6 years of experience as an administrative assistant.
• Experience with financial software, IRIS, and Concur
• Ability to format long documents and reports
• Ability to easily learn new computer software and systems

Desired start date is as soon as possible.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Nominations of qualified individuals are sought and should be sent electronically to the Search Committee Chair at the address shown below. Applications must be completed online. The position posting along with application instructions can be found at https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions/.

Please attach: (1) a cover letter summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position; (2) a complete curriculum vitae; and (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least five references (contacted with permission). Review of applications will begin February 27, 2023. The Search Committee will review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made.

Nominations and other inquiries should be addressed to:

Mr. Matt Backus

Chair, Search Committee

UT Ames AgResearch and Education Center

P.O. Box 389

4275 Buford Ellington Road

Grand Junction, TN 38039

E-mail: wbackus1@utk.edu

Phone: 901-878-1067