County Extension Faculty Positions
Northwest District
Bay County - Panama City, FL - Extension Agent I - III - Sea Grant (538874)
Closing date: March 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Panama City, FLOpen Date
February 23, 2026
Deadline
March 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeThe University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.
As a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work to address the priorities established in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan that are relevant to Bay County and that support the UF/IFAS Extension Pathway. We are looking for an individual with skills in educating a variety of audiences who will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a marine/coastal issues applied research and education program (95%) and assist with our 4-H Youth Development program (5%).
What you will do:
As a Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Bay County in the Florida panhandle to conduct education to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change associated with coastal communities and environments. We are looking for an individual that is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader.
As a Sea Grant Extension Agent you will:
- Plan, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on comprehensive marine and natural resource extension and education programs addressing issues of importance to local stakeholders. Programs will emphasize commercial industries such as boating, marinas, and other fishing-related businesses, coastal community resilience and stewardship; nature-based recreation and tourism; water quality; coastal ecosystem health and restoration; workforce development; protected and invasive marine species; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Stakeholders include marine and coastal resource users, marine management agencies, local government, public and private organizations and educational institutions, and other public adult and youth audiences.
- Develop extension programs and activities that facilitate the transfer of science and science-based tools, technologies and information created from Florida Sea Grant (FSG) research programming to the residents, businesses and communities in Bay County, including in partnership with key stakeholder associations and organizations. These programs should meet the priorities of FSG as summarized in FSG’s Strategic Plan.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with various marine and coastal businesses, resource and water education user groups, and other stakeholders.
- Act as a liaison to marine and natural resource management agencies, as well as public and private organizations, aquaculturists, and educational institutions.
- Create, develop, and confer with a Bay County marine advisory committee to obtain local guidance, ensuring that the local Sea Grant program is relevant with a high level of stakeholder engagement.
- Collaborate with agencies and other partners to respond effectively and efficiently to priority coastal issues.
- Participate in at least one Florida Sea Grant work action group (WAG) and contribute to regional and statewide extension education programs that are relevant to Bay County and local stakeholders.
- Participate in the annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.
- Adapt Florida Sea Grant signature programs to address county needs.
- Contribute to and/or lead collaborative Sea Grant funding opportunities.
Minimum requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A commitment to excellent customer service.
- Ability to possess a Florida driver’s license.
- Flexibility with working hours, willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Escambia County - Cantonment, FL - Extension Agent I - III - Agriculture and Natural Resources (538514)
Closing date: February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Cantonment, FLOpen Date
January 27, 2026
Deadline
February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeThe University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
You Belong at a University that is Leading the Way:
We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.
The Opportunity:
Join UF/IFAS Extension in Escambia County—where agriculture meets innovation. We’re looking for a driven professional to lead sustainable farming and natural resource programs that directly serve producers, landowners, and the broader community. If you thrive on creating practical solutions, building trusted relationships, and making a lasting difference in the field—you’ll find your purpose here.
What you will do:
- Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs related to sustainable agriculture production, and natural resources conservation in Escambia County, by teaching about Best Management Practices (BMPs), production, harvesting, and sustainability issues and solutions.
- Conduct on-site consultations and provide timely diagnostics to assist producers with crop health, soil management, pest identification, and other production challenges using research-based recommendations.
- Build an advisory committee composed of Escambia County citizens and agricultural professionals to assist you in identifying and prioritizing educational programs to reach target clientele.
- Assist Escambia County and the Northwest District (NWD) as an “educational first responder” for county and university functions during natural disasters.
- Collaborate with the NWD Panhandle Agriculture Program Implementation Team (PIT) of peers to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs.
- Serve on a statewide team of Extension faculty to enhance the use of Autonomous Agricultural Production, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Collaborate with agronomic Extension specialists to provide support and engage in applied research for commodity crop variety trials across the Northwest Extension
- Obtain external financial resources to support your programs.
- Manage all program components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
- Cooperate in interdisciplinary projects.
- Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.)
- Write non-technical publications that are sufficient to the topic and relevant to the target audiences.
- Participate in professional societies related to your academic discipline.
- Collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county and district Extension program.
Minimum requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agriculture, or related field. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.
- Strong oral and written interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance a variety of responsibilities.
- A commitment to customer service.
- Ability to use computers, web delivery, and apply social media to your work.
- Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
- Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .
Walton County - Defuniak Springs, FL - County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Sea Grant (538879)
Closing date: March 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Defuniak Springs, FLOpen Date
February 23, 2026
Deadline
March 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeThe University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.
As a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work to address the priorities established in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan that are relevant to Walton County and that support the UF/IFAS Extension Pathway. This position is permanent-status accruing and full-time. We are seeking a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED; 25-35%). The educational responsibilities of the CED/Agent encompass strong leadership with respect to Sea Grant/Marine Science (65-75%). Applications from any qualified agent currently appointed to serve in Walton County will also be accepted regardless of subject matter responsibilities.
What you will do:
As a Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Walton County in the Florida panhandle to conduct education to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change associated with coastal communities and environments. We are looking for an individual that is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader.
As a Sea Grant Extension Agent you will:
- Plan, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on comprehensive marine and natural resource extension and education programs addressing issues of importance to local stakeholders. Programs will emphasize commercial industries such as boating, marinas, and other fishing-related businesses, coastal community resilience and stewardship; nature-based recreation and tourism; water quality; coastal ecosystem health and restoration; workforce development; protected and invasive marine species; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Stakeholders include marine and coastal resource users, marine management agencies, local government, public and private organizations and educational institutions, and other public adult and youth audiences.
- Develop extension programs and activities that facilitate the transfer of science and science-based tools, technologies and information created from Florida Sea Grant (FSG) research programming to the residents, businesses and communities in Walton County, including in partnership with key stakeholder associations and organizations. These programs should meet the priorities of FSG as summarized in FSG’s Strategic Plan.
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with various marine and coastal businesses, resource and water education user groups, and other stakeholders.
- Act as a liaison to marine and natural resource management agencies, as well as public and private organizations, aqua-culturists, and educational institutions.
- Create, develop, and confer with a Walton County marine advisory committee to obtain local guidance, ensuring that the local Sea Grant program is relevant with a high level of stakeholder engagement.
- Collaborate with agencies and other partners to respond effectively and efficiently to priority coastal issues.
- Participate in at least one Florida Sea Grant work action group (WAG) and contribute to regional and statewide extension education programs that are relevant to Walton County and local stakeholders.
- Participate in the annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.
- Adapt Florida Sea Grant signature programs to address county needs.
- Contribute to and/or lead collaborative Sea Grant funding opportunities.
As a County Extension Director, you will:
- Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county faculty and staff members.
- Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Walton County program, including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
- Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Walton County.
- Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Walton County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
- Collaborate with Walton County government, administration, and staff and UF/IFAS Extension faculty, staff, and administration.
- Collaborate with community leaders, government agencies, stakeholders, and media.
- Develop, lead, and sustain an informed overall UF/IFAS Extension Walton County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
- Adhere to all University of Florida and Walton County government policies and procedures and provide leadership to faculty and staff for management of all program components.
- Collaborate with the District Extension Director and CEDs to strengthen outcomes and impacts of UF/IFAS Extension across the Northwest District.
- As requested, assume other responsibilities to benefit the total UF/IFAS Extension program and Walton County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.
Minimum requirements:
- A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A commitment to excellent customer service.
- Ability to possess a Florida driver’s license.
- Flexibility with working hours, willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Northeast District
Central District
Hernando County - Brooksville, FL - Extension Agent I - III - Urban Horticulture (538861)
Closing date: March 16, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Brooksville, FLOpen Date
February 23, 2026
Deadline
March 16, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida is a national leader in research, teaching, and public service, offering rigorous academics and applied solutions that strengthen Florida’s communities, industries, and natural resources. As a land‑grant institution, UF is committed to advancing practical, science-based education that benefits residents statewide. Employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package that promotes well-being, professional development, and long-term stability. Details about benefits can be found here.
UF/IFAS is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
The Opportunity
UF IFAS Extension and Hernando County are seeking a full-time, permanent-status accruing Extension Agent I, Extension Agent II, or Extension Agent III specializing in urban and commercial horticulture. This faculty position plays an essential role in developing and delivering science-based programs that assist residents, commercial landscape managers, and industry professionals in adopting sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible horticultural practices. The successful applicant will be housed in the Hernando County Extension Office in Brooksville.
Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation
- Develop, deliver, evaluate, and report on horticulture programs addressing turfgrass management, ornamental plant selection, irrigation efficiency, pest and disease management, nutrient management, sustainable landscaping, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.
- Provide multi-format instruction, including workshops, field demonstrations, certification trainings, webinars, and continuing education serving homeowners, commercial businesses, landscape professionals, and public institutions.
- Produce educational materials such as fact sheets, articles, newsletters, digital content, and web resources.
Horticultural Consultation and Technical Support
- Maintain a diagnostic and consultation service for residential and commercial clientele through email, phone, office consultations, and on-site visits.
- Conduct horticultural assessments to support best management practices in commercial and residential landscapes.
Master Gardener Volunteer Program Leadership
- Recruit, train, guide, and evaluate Master Gardener Volunteers.
- Coordinate volunteer education, demonstration projects, community outreach, service hour reporting, and program recognition.
Collaboration and Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborate with the county’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ coordinator on joint programming and resource protection efforts.
- Build relationships with county departments, industry groups, state agencies, and community organizations to strengthen local capacity and deliver targeted education.
- Work with other Extension programs—including 4-H—to support horticulture education; all non–4-H faculty contribute 5% of their effort to 4-H Youth Development.
Program Management and Professional Contribution
- Maintain an active advisory committee to guide needs assessment, program planning, and budgeting discussions.
- Seek external funding through grants, partnerships, cost recovery, and sponsorships.
- Maintain accurate program records, reports, and compliance with UF and county policies.
- Participate in required trainings and professional development.
- Support county emergency operations as needed and perform other duties assigned by the County Extension Director and District Extension Director.
Minimum requirements:
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Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, environmental horticulture, plant science, or a closely related field for appointment as Extension Agent I; a master’s degree or at least 50% progress toward a master’s degree is required for Extension Agent II; and a completed master’s degree is required for Extension Agent III. Candidates must meet minimum experience requirements equivalent to the assigned faculty level.
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A Level 2 Background Screening through the Florida Department of Children and Families is required.
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As part of the Commercial Horticulture program area, candidates must obtain the Private Applicator license and Green Industry/BMP certification within six months of hire.
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Additional requirements include:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to use educational technologies to support programming
- Valid Florida driver’s license and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel
- Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs
- Ability to work with homeowners, industry professionals, and community partners
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Osceola County - Kissimmee, FL - Extension Agent I or II - Family and Consumer Sciences - Housing and Financial Management (535260)
Closing date: March 20, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Kissimmee, FLOpen Date
March 19, 2025
Deadline
March 20, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeThe Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
The Opportunity:
The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments. County Extension faculty provide high-quality, relevant, research-based expertise and education to foster healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.
We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make us strong. We look for people with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and believe in opportunity for all. Working for Florida Cooperative Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
This full-time permanent status accruing Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Osceola County Board of County Commissioners. The successful candidate will lead through designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based education programs that improve financial literacy and help individuals, families, and communities improve their economic well-being (95%). Educational programs may be targeted to help individuals and families obtain skills to own or rent a home, prevent foreclosure, maintain their home, or take a long-term view of their financial futures. At least 5% of the candidate's time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.
We are looking for candidates with academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. The candidate will use an understanding of financial management, quality of life, and community stability to lead an educational program that empowers people to adopt healthy financial behavior, prevent financial stress, and achieve long-term social and economic success. This role provides the opportunity to positively impact the Osceola County community in helping to shape future generations.
What you will do:
- Plan, develop, teach, and evaluate community-based education programs to help people acquire the knowledge and skills to build financial security.
- Provide Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing counseling services and education workshops in coordination with Osceola County Housing and Community Services.
- Market education programs to reach a broad range of populations.
- Employ programmatic strategies to ensure the success of varied populations.
- Build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist with program priorities and design.
- Partner with colleagues, community leaders, agencies, and elected officials to create opportunities that enhance the local economic condition.
- Demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, collaboration, leadership, and innovation to strengthen educational programs.
- Manage program components including program policies, records, risk management, communication, and educational materials.
- Seek, secure, and manage grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support the FCS housing and financial management Extension programs.
- Attend and contribute to professional meetings and in-service trainings and actively seek out and attend professional development opportunities.
- Follow all county, UF, and IFAS Extension policies.
- Carry out other duties as outlined by the County Extension Director and the District Extension Director.
What you will bring (required)
- A bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, business, economics, financial management, or a closely related discipline is required.
- If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to advance your career by making at least 50% progress toward obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. The successful candidate will be able to participate in the Employee Education Program. (Candidates must hold a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent II or higher.)
- Must be a HUD Certified Housing Counselor or obtain certification within 1 year of employment.
- Must show significant progress towards completing Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification (30% of completion requirements toward completing Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification within 3 years of employment or 50% within 5 years).
- Ability to work cooperatively as a leader and team member.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Evidence of resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
- High-level organizational development and management skills.
- Knowledge and experience in using and applying information technology and communications applications.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values and UF/IFAS Extension values.
- Be willing to be activated by the County in the event of an emergency.
Southwest District
Multi-County (Polk-Hillsborough) - Bartow, FL - Extension Agent I - IV – Commercial Citrus, Multi-County (538521)
Closing date: February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Bartow, FLOpen Date
January 27, 2026
Deadline
February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
University of Florida IFAS Extension and Polk County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Citrus Extension Agent position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. As the agent you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive Citrus Extension program. The focus areas include teaching the most effective strategies of citrus production by interpreting and applying current science and technology in the field. Areas of expertise include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies; Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and conservation; environmental stewardship in agricultural production; supporting sustainability of economic viability of citrus production; and other related topics.
There are more than 3.8 million boxes of citrus in production in Polk County, with a total of approximately 59,229 acres of citrus in Polk and Hillsborough counties—98% of which is in Polk County. As the citrus Extension agent, you will cultivate effective working relationships with citrus growers, citrus industry organizations, related state and local agencies, local and regional media, and regulatory agencies. The successful candidate will collaborate with state and county Extension faculty throughout the Southwest District and statewide, including Extension specialists, researchers, and other county Extension agents focused on citrus and other fruit crops. This includes faculty located at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, FL, and other research and education centers involved in citrus-related research, and associated department faculty at the main University of Florida campus in Gainesville.
Your office will be located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL.
As the Commercial Citrus Agent, you will:
- Develop, conduct, coordinate and evaluate educational programs for citrus.
- Provide training in agricultural and horticultural best management practices for water resources protection.
- Provide guidance and educational programming on citrus pest management, including insect, mite, disease, and weed management.
- Deliver educational programs using a variety of approaches based on stakeholder needs, including but not limited to in-person consultations, workshops, seminars, field clinics, live-stream media, and virtual platforms.
- Develop creative and scholarly materials in support of programming, including multi-media presentations, fact sheets, blog posts, webpages, videos, abstracts, trade journal articles, and other categories of professional writing and production.
- Pursue extramural funding and in-kind program support in the form of grants, monetary awards, sponsorships, and revenue enhancement through program fees.
- Provide agriculture worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.
- Provide continuing education units (CEUs) for certified crop advisors and other clientele.
- Utilize up-to-date technology in everyday work and in support of stakeholder needs in the field.
- Maintain an effective stakeholder advisory committee to assist with program development and implementation, including identification of priority issues.
- Provide support for citrus growers on other fruit and alternative crops grown in the area.
- Provide leadership for and assist with 4-H youth development citrus and fruit crop educational programs (5% assignment).
- Provide technical citrus support for Master Gardener Volunteer training.
- Actively collaborate with other Polk and Hillsborough Extension agents to implement interdisciplinary programs for agricultural awareness and local Extension program marketing and awareness.
Minimum requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field. A master’s degree is desired but not required if hired at Extension Agent I level. To be hired as an Extension Agent II, at least 50% of a master’s degree is required. Extension Agent III or IV must have an earned master’s degree.
- Minimum of five years of field experience in citrus, horticulture, or other fruit crops production, Extension, research, or teaching, including experience working with HLB-endemic citrus crops.
- Ability to acquire a restricted-use pesticide license for agricultural tree crops.
Demonstrated skills and abilities in the following:- Excellent command of English grammar and vocabulary as evidenced in writing and oral communication skills
- Responsiveness in a timely and professional manner
- Being self-directed with minimal daily supervision, setting own calendar and prioritizing projects and tasks
- Flexibility with work hours, with expectation of working evenings, occasional weekends, and overnight travel for professional development and industry events
- Possess a valid and active State of Florida driver's license by the time of hire
- Be willing to commit to the UF core values.
Southeast District
Brevard County - Cocoa, FL - Extension Agent I - III - Commercial Horticulture (538513)
Closing date: February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Cocoa, FLOpen Date
January 27, 2026
Deadline
February 24, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.
The Opportunity
This full-time permanent status accruing Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Brevard County. The successful candidate will lead in designing, implementing, and evaluating horticulture education programs to assist green industry professionals more effectively in interpreting and using current science and technology. Brevard County is facing continuing challenges associated with a highly urbanized environment adjacent to economically and environmentally important coastal ecosystems. Brevard County is also facing growing challenges associated with stormwater runoff. The programmatic vision for the agent in this position is to work cooperatively with researchers and community stakeholders in Brevard County to promote responsible horticultural practices, while also addressing community resiliency (about 95% of the agent’s time). At least 5% of the candidate's time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development. Your extension education program will be guided by an advisory committee that incorporates the various needs of the county’s population. We are looking for candidates with academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world.
The candidate will be able to:
- Provide training for green industry professionals to include professional landscapers, lawn care operators, and retail/wholesale horticulture professionals.
- Teach water conservation and efficient irrigation practices.
- Teach horticultural Best Management Practices for water resource protection.
- Teach pest management, including insect, mite, disease, and weed management.
- Target programs to reflect the area’s population and unique educational needs using a variety of program marketing and delivery methods, including in-person, site visit consultations, and deliberately focused virtual platforms such as webinars, videos, and social media.
- Develop, conduct, coordinate, evaluate, and report on educational programs for commercial horticulture audiences.
- Build an effective and varied advisory committee to assist with the design, direction, and operation of the extension program.
- Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
- Develop community partnerships to include local municipalities and producer groups.
- Produce creative, scholarly works and audience-friendly publications.
Minimum requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticultural science, or a closely related field with an emphasis on turfgrass and/or ornamentals from an accredited college or university.
- Technical expertise in horticultural science.
- Self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented.
- Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
- Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
- Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams.
- A commitment to positive and proactive customer service.
- Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF's core values.