County Extension Faculty Positions
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State Specialized Agent II–IV, Family and Consumer Science (Food Business and Entrepreneurship) (539476)
Closing date: May 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Immokalee, FLOpen Date
April 9, 2026
Deadline
May 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way
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
UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science providing statewide leadership in Food Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting county faculty, entrepreneurs, workforce programs, and industry collaborators throughout Florida. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the role advances UF/IFAS Extension’s mission by strengthening economic decision making, viability, and growth opportunities for food and agribusiness entrepreneurs at all stages of development. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II–IV, depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The position is located at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Immokalee.
Statewide Leadership and Extension Programming
- Lead or co-lead statewide Extension programs that increase the economic resilience of Florida’s food and agribusiness sectors.
- Educate food entrepreneurs and clientele about food and agribusiness planning and start-up considerations, marketing and management.
- Provide training to food and agribusiness entrepreneurs on market research and value-chain coordination, basic financial analysis, and business and market feasibility analysis
- Connect entrepreneurs with mentors to provide one-on-one business coaching to support informed investment, pricing, market entry, and scaling decisions.
- Work with county and state faculty to develop decision-support tools, curricula, and technical assistance to strengthen local program delivery in Family and Consumer Sciences and related food systems areas.
- Embed applied business and entrepreneurial analysis into statewide curricula and workshops to strengthen the economic impact and effectiveness of county level programming.
- Partner and leverage expertise of other faculty in the areas of regulatory, processing, food safety, and product development.
- Serve as a member of Initiative 5 (Food Safety & Food Entrepreneurship) and Initiative 1 (Food Systems) priority working groups, including participation on relevant Action Teams.
Resource Development and Grantsmanship
- Secure federal, state, and philanthropic grants that expand UF Extension’s capacity in food entrepreneurship and local food systems.
- Leverage in-kind resources and partnerships to expand program reach and reduce implementation costs.
- Support integrated funding strategies that align entrepreneurship, food safety, and food systems goals.
Minimum requirements
Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education and Communication, Food Science, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a closely related field. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Additional required qualifications include:
- Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
- At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
- A record of Extension, teaching, or equivalent outreach experience demonstrating strong applied communication and educational skills.
- Experience in small business development, food entrepreneurship, financial coaching, or related applied economic training.
- Ability to work effectively with community partners, state agencies, and interdisciplinary faculty teams.
- Ability to interpret applied research and develop educational materials.
- Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the ability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
- Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
- Ability to travel statewide and work occasional evenings or weekends as required by programming.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
- Successful completion of a Level 2 DCF background check due to youth involvement.
State Specialized Agent II–IV, Family and Consumer Science (Housing and Financial Well-Being) (539529)
Closing date: May 12, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Gainesville, FLOpen Date
April 13, 2026
Deadline
May 12, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way
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
UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science specializing in Housing and Financial Well-being. State Specialized Agents lead statewide Extension initiatives, collaborate with faculty across departments, and guide program development that supports Florida’s families and communities. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the position provides statewide leadership in housing and financial well‑being that strengthens Florida households and supports UF/IFAS Extension’s statewide strategic priorities. This is a permanent status accruing position for Extension Agent II-IV. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The preferred location for this position is Gainesville, Florida, although the location is negotiable based on office availability and input from UF/IFAS Extension leadership.
Statewide Program Leadership
- Provide statewide leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate a nationally recognized housing education and financial literacy/wellbeing program.
- Lead curriculum development, online course creation, and educational materials designed for broad public appeal, collaborating with county and state faculty.
- Deliver housing and financial education to adults in counties without qualified faculty and support youth financial literacy programming aligned with Florida state standards.
- Establish statewide program policies, guidance, and delivery strategies for housing and financial programs, including protocols for underserved or outlying areas.
- Oversee priority statewide efforts under Initiative 5 and serve as Co-Chair for the Housing and Financial Wellbeing Priority Work Group (PWG 4), including leadership of relevant Action Teams.
Consumer Counseling and HUD Responsibilities
- Serve as the HUD Approved Counseling Branch contact for Alachua County and lead all related housing counseling services for Alachua County, surrounding counties, and counties lacking a qualified faculty member.
- Provide one-on-one housing and financial counseling, address consumer inquiries, and ensure compliance with HUD-related standards and reporting expectations.
- Conduct statewide in-service trainings on foreclosure prevention, disaster preparedness, rental education, retirement education, and other high-priority housing and financial well-being topics.
Partnerships and External Engagement
- Build institutional relationships with the UF Center for Housing Studies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and HUD related partners to enhance program impact.
- Advance visibility and represent UF/IFAS Extension in national collaborations, including the Financial Security for All network and emerging national housing collaboratives for Extension and HUD agencies.
Grantsmanship and Revenue Development
- Apply for, secure, and manage federal grants such as the HUD Housing Counseling Grant and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant.
- Pursue philanthropic, corporate, and state funding to strengthen program reach and sustainability.
- Develop and implement revenue generation strategies tied to educational products, online courses, and program innovations.
Extension Faculty Support and Training
- Provide statewide in-service training, program tools, and consultation to Extension faculty to ensure effective program delivery and consistent statewide implementation.
- Serve as liaison to UF/IFAS HR on housing and financial wellbeing workshops delivered to UF personnel.
About IFAS Extension
UF/IFAS Extension is the outreach arm of the university, connecting research based knowledge to individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Florida. Its mission is to enable people to improve their quality of life through applied science, education, and partnership. With faculty members located in all 67 counties and at Research and Education Centers statewide, UF/IFAS Extension delivers practical programs focused on agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and family wellbeing. The organization is known for strong interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to addressing Florida’s most pressing community needs through educational programming and statewide coordination.
As part of this mission, Family and Consumer Sciences faculty empower individuals and families to make informed decisions related to food systems, financial management, health, food safety, and overall well-being. By translating research into accessible education, Family and Consumer Sciences improves household stability, strengthens community vitality, and supports economic opportunity across Florida. The program area is broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing food entrepreneurship, nutrition, consumer decision-making, financial capability, housing, and workforce readiness.
Minimum requirements
Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Science, Housing, Financial Counseling, Personal Finance, Family Resource Management, Consumer Economics, or a closely related discipline to be hired as a State Specialized Agent II, III or IV. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Additional required qualifications include:
- Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
- At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
- Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, community groups, agencies, and statewide partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Required certifications include:
- HUD Certified Housing Counselor or obtain certification within 1 year of employment.
- Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification or completion within 3 years of employment.
- Pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) exam and a tax law certification exam (Basic or Advanced) annually to deliver VITA.
- Ability to interpret applied research and develop evidence-based educational materials.
- Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the capability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
- Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
- Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
- Youth engagement exceeds 5%, so DCF Level 2 background screening will be required.
State Specialized Agent II–IV, Community Resource Development (Civic Engagement and Leadership Development) (539685)
Closing date: May 10, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
FloridaOpen Date
April 24, 2026
Deadline
May 10, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way
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
UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Community Resource Development, specializing in Civic Engagement and Leadership Development. This is a 12‑month, 100% Extension appointment. In addition to core State Specialized Extension Agent responsibilities, this role serves as the state contact for Community Resource Development. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II–IV, depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in UF/IFAS Extension will retain this status. The location is negotiable based on office availability and input from UF/IFAS Extension leadership.
Statewide Leadership and Representation
- Serve as the state contact for Community Resource Development, representing UF/IFAS Extension at state, regional, and national meetings and professional associations.
- Provide leadership for statewide civic engagement and leadership development initiatives aligned with UF/IFAS Extension priorities.
- Maintain recognized expertise in civic engagement, leadership development, and community capacity building.
Program Development, Training, and Faculty Support
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide, research-based civic engagement and leadership development programs focused on adult audiences.
- Design and deliver training, curricula, and educational support materials to increase county Extension faculty capacity to deliver priority programs.
- Strengthen county faculty proficiency in civic engagement and leadership activities that enhance community resources and economic development.
- Support county faculty, clientele, and partners through technical assistance, coaching, and professional development.
Scholarship, Research, and Educational Products
- Participate in collaborative applied research projects with Extension Specialists and other faculty.
- Develop scholarly and applied educational materials, including EDIS publications, presentations, curricula, and web‑based or social media tools that support Extension programming.
- Contribute to program impact reporting and documentation of outcomes at the state level.
Collaboration, Funding, and Initiative Engagement
- Work collaboratively with the Associate Dean for Families, Youth and Communities, Program Leaders, State and Regional Specialized Agents, and Extension Specialists.
- Serve as a member of Initiative leadership teams, priority work groups, and action teams relevant to Community Resource Development.
- Secure external funding through grants, contracts, gifts, and revenue‑generating activities to support statewide Extension programs.
- Support marketing and communication efforts for UF/IFAS Extension programs within the assigned area of responsibility.
Minimum requirements
Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in community development, adult education, agricultural education, or a closely related discipline aligned with one of Extension’s program areas to be hired as a State Specialized Agent II, III or IV. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Additional required qualifications include:
- Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
- At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
- Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, community groups, agencies, and statewide partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interpret applied research and develop research-based educational materials.
- Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the ability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
- Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to meet programming requirements.
- Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
- Youth engagement exceeds 5%, so DCF Level 2 background screening will be required.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Northwest District
Northeast District
Central District
Southwest District
Collier County - Naples, FL - Extension Agent II–IV or Program Extension Agent II–IV and County Extension Director (539542)
Closing date: May 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Naples, FLOpen Date
April 14, 2026
Deadline
May 6, 2026 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
You Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way
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.
The Opportunity
This position serves as both an Extension Agent/Program Extension Agent and County Extension Director, providing research-based education in a programmatic area of need within the county while overseeing county Extension operations. The appointment may be filled as either an Extension Agent or Program Extension Agent at the II–IV level, based on qualifications. The assigned program area will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise. For a non-4-H program assignment, at least 5% of the time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.
Please note: The Extension Agent track is permanent status-accruing, and the Program Extension Agent track is non-permanent status-accruing in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES). The track followed by a successful candidate who does not currently hold permanent status in FCES will be agreed upon by UF and the candidate. It will depend on the current position and experience. A successful candidate who currently holds permanent status in FCES will follow the Extension Agent track.
Assignment and Programmatic Focus
This position is structured with a 75% administrative and leadership assignment and a 25% programmatic assignment.
Administrative and Leadership Responsibilities (75%)
- Serve as County Extension Director, providing leadership and oversight for all UF IFAS Extension operations in Collier County
- Direct countywide Extension planning, priority setting, and program accountability in alignment with county needs and UF IFAS Extension goals
- Supervise and support Extension faculty and staff, including performance management, professional development, and workplace coordination
- Manage county Extension budgets, facilities, and operational resources in partnership with county government and the University of Florida
- Serve as the primary liaison to county government, advisory committees, and key community partners
- Ensure compliance with university policies, fiscal requirements, reporting expectations, and professional standards
Programmatic Responsibilities (25%)
- Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programming in the programmatic area of assignment for the candidate.
- Maintain an advisory committee with appropriate community representation and advocating for Extension in the community.
This position requires strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, along with the ability to translate research into practical solutions that strengthen communities and local economies.
Minimum requirements:
- A master’s degree in horticulture, natural resources, youth development, community development, public administration, agriculture education and communication or a closely related field appropriate to the level of appointment.
- For County Extension Director appointment, applicants must hold Extension Agent II or equivalent or Program Extension Agent II or equivalent, at minimum
- Ability to work effectively with local government, community organizations, and business stakeholders.
- Proven skills in program development, evaluation, and reporting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a county and statewide Extension team.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.