County Extension Faculty Positions
For information on how to apply to a County Extension Faculty position, please visit this page.
Northwest District
Northwest District - Quincy, FL - District Director & Extension Agent IV or District Director & Professor (533850)
Closing date: November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Quincy, FLOpen Date
November 12, 2024
Deadline
November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
The 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 (FCES) is a partnership among state, federal, and county governments. 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.
University of Florida/IFAS Extension is seeking a District Extension Director (DED) to lead Extension personnel and programming in the Northwest Extension District.
Job description:
Major Responsibilities of the Northwest District Extension Director (DED):
- Provide leadership for the recruitment, selection, and orientation of county staff in cooperation with Program Leaders, Extension Administration, County Government, County Extension Directors (CEDs), and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Administrators (as appropriate).
- Work closely with County Extension personnel concerning problem solving, resource acquisition and distribution, marketing, and personnel support.
- Maintain, with Program Leaders and Deans, effective working relationships between the FCES and the Boards of County Commissioners, county officials, state officials and staff, commodity organizations, industry representatives, and consumer and natural resources groups, particularly those within the district.
- Provide strong and positive leadership for the implementation of issue-based educational programs throughout the district.
- Maintain close working relationships with various IFAS administrators and offices (other DEDs, department chairs, center directors, IFAS HR, grant office, Advancement office, Extension Business Services, and others).
Tasks of Northwest District Extension Director:
Provide leadership for the recruitment, selection, and orientation of county staff, in cooperation with Program Leaders, Extension Administration, County Government, CEDs, and FAMU Administrators (as appropriate).
- Facilitate smooth implementation of County Operations procedures in the recruitment, selection, and orientation of new staff.
- Comply with EEO, ADA, and other applicable laws in the hiring process.
- Be involved with FAMU hiring process for County Faculty.
Work closely with County Extension personnel concerning problem solving, resource acquisition and distribution, marketing, and personnel support.
- Work with CEDs and appropriate local and state staff to solve problems and create professionalism.
- Support CEDs in securing, organizing, and allocating resources.
- Support CEDs in preparing budgetary requests and administering budgets.
- Authorize all travel by County Faculty requiring state or grant funds administered by the University.
- Collaborate closely with the Dean for Extension through the Extension Business Services Team to address fiscal responsibilities involving budget, finance, salary adjustments, and promotions. Additionally, this role will work directly with Extension Business Services to ensure compliance with HR procedures and policies, as well as oversee the management of MOUs and contracts with county and private partners.
- Manage and monitor participation in professional development opportunities, with input from Program Leaders and CEDs.
- Provide leadership, with input from CEDs and Program Leaders, for County Faculty evaluation, including FAMU faculty when appropriate, and make recommendations to the Dean.
- Assist CED’s with receiving training they need to be successful.
Maintain, with Program Leaders and Deans, effective working relationships between the FCES and the Boards of County Commissioners, county officials, state officials and staff, commodity organizations, industry representatives, and consumer and natural resources groups, particularly those within the district.
- Liaise and meet with contacts regularly.
Provide strong and positive leadership for the development and implementation of issue-based educational programs throughout the district.
- Work with Associate Deans, Program Leaders and evaluators within the ITL (Initiative Team Lead) structure to assure that programming needs are met through multiple assessment tools such as advisory committees, county demographics, and public opinion surveys.
- Assure that county programs fit within the Extension Pathway to the maximum degree possible.
- Work with FAMU administration in implementing appropriate programs.
Maintain close working relationships with various IFAS administrators and offices (other DEDs, department chairs, center directors, IFAS HR, grant office, SHARE office, Extension Business Services, and others).
- Foster healthy relationships between county, state, local and IFAS leaders.
This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Northwest Extension District community as you help shape future generations.
Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not be scheduled until 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date.
Supervision:
The Director of the Northwest Extension District will report to the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
What you will bring (required)
- For the Extension Agent IV rank: A master’s degree in a field relevant to the mission of IFAS Extension is required. A record of outstanding scholarly achievement and professional activities related to Extension and/or industry that will qualify the individual to have earned permanent status in the Extension system is required.
- For the Professor rank: A Ph.D. degree in a field relevant to the mission of IFAS Extension is required. A record of outstanding scholarly achievement and professional activities related to teaching, research, Extension, and/or industry that will qualify the individual to be a tenured full professor in an IFAS Department.
- Both ranks require multiple years of Extension experience or equivalent. Must have supervisory experience. A flexible schedule that allows for irregular hours is necessary. You must be an effective written and verbal communicator, feel comfortable presenting in front of small and large crowds, be able to establish solid partnerships, and find innovative ways to attract new audiences. Your abilities to use computers, apply social media to your work, organize and motivate people, manage volunteers, and work in teams must be strong. A valid driver’s license and a national background screening are requirements of this position.
Northeast District
Central District
Flagler County - Bunnell, FL - Extension Agent I - II - Agriculture and Natural Resources (533891)
Closing date: December 13, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Bunnell, FLOpen Date
November 13, 2024
Deadline
December 13, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
The 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.
As an Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Flagler County, a growing area in east central Florida. We are looking for an individual who is self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented with skills in agriculture and natural resources. You will be responsible for developing, delivering, evaluating, and reporting on science-based education programs with an emphasis on commercial horticulture, and natural resources education.
All non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Your office will be located at the County Extension Office in Bunnell.
Collaboration with extension agents in the Tri-County (Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns) Agricultural Area (TCAA) and the UF/IFAS Extension Specialists is expected.
What you will do:
- Design, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs supporting growers, producers, landowners, and landscape professionals in Flagler County.
- Design, implement, evaluate, and report on community-based educational programs focusing on agriculture and natural resources topics.
- Conduct pesticide training for farmers and landscape professionals.
- Collaborate with all Extension program areas (Horticulture, 4-H Youth Development, Sea Grant, and Family and Consumer Sciences) and volunteers on educational efforts that will facilitate positive management practices with significant and locally relevant impact.
- Manage program components including program policies, records, risk management, communication, and educational materials.
- Develop an advisory committee to assist with program design, identification of client needs and priority issues, analysis of county situations, and development of program budgets.
- Provide excellent customer service for the community through various communication modes including, but not limited to, telephone, email, online, social media, and face-to-face contact.
- Develop and sustain partnerships with community agencies and leaders, businesses, county government, media, and the public.
- Seek, secure, and manage grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support the agriculture and natural resources Extension program.
- 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 regarding Civil Rights.
- 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 from an accredited college or university in agriculture, agronomy, plant sciences, or a closely related field. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by December 2024.
- 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. A master’s degree and relevant work experience are required to be considered for an agent II appointment.
- A working knowledge of agriculture best management practices, including plant and pest identification and diagnostic skills, soils, irrigation, fertilizers, and vegetable and nursery crop production.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance diverse responsibilities.
- A commitment to customer service and Extension for All guidelines.
- Ability to use computers, web delivery, and apply social media to your work.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to obtain a pesticide license within 6 months of hire.
- 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.
Osceola County - Kissimmee, FL - Extension Agent I - II - 4-H Youth Development (533366)
Closing date: December 18 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Kissimmee, FLOpen Date
October 2, 2024
Deadline
December 18, 2024 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. 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.
You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF) is a Land Grant Institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make 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 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.
The Opportunity
As an Extension Agent, you will work jointly for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension and Osceola County, a growing area in east central Florida. We are looking for a positive youth development professional who is a self-starter, energetic, and team oriented. The 4-H Youth Development Agent focuses on 1) volunteer development and 2) positive youth development through collaboration with 4-H volunteers, 4-H Extension colleagues, and Extension colleagues in the other Extension program areas.
What you will do:
- Work with UF/IFAS and Osceola County stakeholders to identify needs, issues, and opportunities.
- Use traditional and innovative educational methods to teach target audiences, youth and adults, new practices, procedures, techniques, and skills which will result in increased knowledge and behavioral and or practice change.
- Develop, train, sustain, and recognize an effective volunteer base to support youth development.
- Design, implement, evaluate, and report on community-based educational programs focusing on volunteer and youth development for youth ages 5 to 18.
- Develop a comprehensive volunteer management strategy to ensure program policies, enrollment, record keeping, risk management, and experiential learning procedures are updated and effective.
- Deliver positive youth development programs through a variety of delivery modes including, but not limited to clubs, school enrichment, camps, and competitive events.
- Collaborate with all Extension program areas (Horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources) and volunteers on educational efforts that will facilitate positive management practices with significant and locally relevant impact.
- Manage program components including program policies, enrollments, records, risk management, communication, and educational materials.
- Develop an advisory committee to assist with program design, identification of client needs and priority issues, analysis of county situations, and development of program budgets.
- Work with Osceola 4-H faculty and staff to and provide leadership for the Osceola County 4-H Association.
- Provide excellent customer service for the community through various modes of communication.
- Develop and sustain partnerships with community agencies and leaders, businesses, county government, media, and the public.
- Seek, secure, and manage grants, contracts, and other funding and partnership opportunities to support the 4-H program.
- Develop and deliver age-appropriate subject matter education to 4-H youth and volunteers.
- Attend and contribute to professional meetings, in-service trainings, and actively seek out and attend professional development opportunities.
- Follow all Osceola County, UF, and IFAS Extension policies regarding Civil Rights, program development, and parity.
- Carry out other duties as outlined by the Osceola County Extension Director and the Central District Extension Director.
What you will bring (required)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in youth development, agriculture education, education, community development, sociology, or a closely related field.
- If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to advance your career by making at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. (Candidates must hold a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent II or higher.)
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- 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.
St. Johns County - St. Augustine, FL - Extension Agent I or II – Commercial Agriculture (533894)
Closing date: December 13, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
St. Augustine, FLOpen Date
November 13, 2024
Deadline
December 13, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
The 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 that provides quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.
We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make 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 believe in opportunity for all. Working for Florida Cooperative Extension will allow you to positively impact your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
University of Florida/IFAS Extension and St. Johns County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Commercial Agriculture (Row Crops) Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual. If selected, you will plan, develop, conduct, teach, evaluate and report on science-based extension educational programs based on local input from an active advisory group you will maintain. All non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Your office will be located at the County Extension Office in St. Augustine.
As the Agent, your major program responsibilities will include crop management of commercial vegetables (potato, cabbage, and other vegetables), sod, agronomic and alternative crops; providing commercial food safety education; assisting with continuing education for pesticide license certification.
Collaboration with extension agents in the Tri-County (Flagler, Putnam, and St. Johns) Agricultural Area (TCAA) and the UF/IFAS Extension Specialists is expected.
What you will do:
- Use a variety of educational delivery methods to reach target clientele as well as conduct frequent farm visits, field trials, and on-farm demonstrations.
- Develop an advisory committee to assist with program design, identification of client needs and priority issues, analysis of county situations, and development of program budgets.
- Provide excellent customer service for the community through various communication modes including, but not limited to, telephone, email, online, social media, and face-to-face contact.
- Develop and sustain partnerships with community agencies and leaders, businesses, county government, media, and the public, and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
- Seek, secure, and manage grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support the agriculture extension program.
- Attend and contribute to professional meetings and in-service trainings, and actively seek out and attend professional development opportunities.
- Follow the University of Florida policies and procedures and policies and procedures set by the St. Johns County government as deemed relevant. UF and St. Johns County will provide leadership for management of all program components including program policies, records, communications, and educational materials.
- The successful applicant will work with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on policies and guidelines related to this program area.
- Carry out other assignments and responsibilities in support of the total county extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director and District Extension Director.
What you will bring (required)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in horticultural science, plant science, agronomy, or a closely related field is required. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by December 2024.
- If hired with solely 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 toward obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.
- A master’s degree and relevant work experience are required to be considered for an agent II appointment.
- A strong commitment to education and a strong work ethic.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance diverse responsibilities.
- A commitment to customer service and Extension for All guidelines.
- Ability to use computers, web delivery, and apply social media to your work.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to obtain a pesticide license within 6 months of hire.
- You must be able to obtain (before employment) and maintain a valid 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.
Southwest District
Manatee County - Palmetto, FL - Extension Agent I - IV - Residential Horticulture (533091)
Closing date: November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Palmetto, FLOpen Date
September 13, 2024
Deadline
November 26, 2024 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 Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments that provides quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.
University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Manatee County are seeking an Extension Agent to lead Residential Horticulture education through the design, implementation, and evaluation of extension programming that meets the needs of the county’s varied population. As the Agent, you will spend about 50% of your time on residential horticulture programming including Florida Friendly Landscaping programs (FFL) and about 45% of time leading the Manatee County Master Gardener (MGV) Program . The additional 5% of time is dedicated to support of the 4-H youth program through horticulture work coordinated with the 4-H Agent.
You will build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audiences. You will obtain financial resources to enhance support of your programs and you will manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability). You will cooperate in interdisciplinary projects, provide service to schools, develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.), write non-technical people-friendly publications, and participate in professional societies. This position is responsible for supervising a team of horticulture program staff.
This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Manatee County community as you help shape future generations. As such, you will collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program.
What you will bring (required)
The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field and professional experience. A flexible schedule that allows for irregular hours is necessary. A valid driver’s license and available transportation, a national background screening, and a drug-screening test are requirements of this position. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you 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. (Candidates must hold a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent II or higher). Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Southeast District
Miami-Dade County - Homestead, FL - Extension Agent I or II - 4-H Youth Development (533805)
Closing date: December 9, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Homestead, FLOpen Date
November 18, 2024
Deadline
December 9, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
The 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
This full-time permanent status accruing 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Miami-Dade County. The successful candidate will lead through designing, implementing, evaluating, promoting, and reporting on positive youth development programs for youth and adult volunteers. The 4-H agent’s 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.
Duties and Responsibilities
This position will oversee all aspects of the Miami-Dade County 4-H Youth Development program with the other 4-H Youth Development Agent. The agent must develop effective working relationships with adult volunteers, youth, families, and other community partners. Along with developing these working relationships, the extension agent will form and work closely with an advisory committee. The successful candidate will be innovative, creative, and adaptable to a dynamic work environment. The agent will be expected to work with other county extension faculty in the Southeast District, other 4-H agents, extension specialists, and University of Florida faculty across the state.
What you will do:
- Develop, conduct, coordinate, evaluate, and report on educational programs for youth ages 5-18 and volunteers.
- Develop, train, sustain, and recognize and effective volunteers base.
- Develop a comprehensive volunteer management strategy to ensure program polices, enrollment, record keeping, risk management, and experiential learning procedures are updated and effective.
- Establish and maintain an effective and varied advisory committee to assist with extension program design, direction, and operation.
- Develop community partnerships and work as a team with local volunteers, organizations, agencies, and UF/IFAS colleagues to promote positive youth development.
- Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage all fiscal components of the 4-H program (e.g., policies, accounting records, risk, communication, and accountability).
- 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 visits, consultations, and deliberately focused virtual platforms such as webinars, videos, and social media.
- Produce creative, scholarly works, and audience-friendly publications.
- Actively participate in professional associations.
- Write an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment.
- Assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director and District Extension Director.
What you will bring (required)
- A bachelor’s degree and a strong academic background in youth development, education, community development, sociology, agriculture education or a related field from an accredited college or university.
- Self-starting, proactive, and team-oriented with strong interpersonal, communication, organization, customer service, and leadership skills.
- Adaptability and managing competing priorities are essential to success in this position.
- Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
- Ability to use information technology and apply social media to extension work.
- 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 core values.
This position requires regular evening and weekend work and occasional overnight travel. Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Monroe County - Key West, FL - Extension Agent I - III – Environmental Horticulture (533681)
Closing date: November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time
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Details
Location
Key West, FLOpen Date
October 29, 2024
Deadline
November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern TimeYou Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.
The 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
This full-time permanent status accruing Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Monroe County. The successful candidate will design, implement, and evaluate educational programs to assist residents, businesses, and municipalities more effectively interpret and use current science and technology. The agent is responsible for providing horticulture‐related educational programs to the urban community through the trained volunteer efforts of UF/IFAS Master Gardeners and their outreach programs. The agent will be expected to teach the most effective ways to adopt Florida‐Friendly Landscape (FFL) principles to protect water quality, water conservation, and other related topics. This agent supervises and leads through the UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer program. The Agent’s extension education program will be guided by an advisory committee that incorporates the needs of the county’s varied population.
The candidate will be able to:
- Provide training for new Master Gardener volunteers and continuing education for experienced Master Gardeners.
- Teach the most effective strategies to adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) principles to protect water quality, conserve water, establish resource-efficient landscapes, adapt to sea level rise, and other related benefits.
- Build a varied advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals to assist with program priorities and design.
- Collaborate with commercial landscape installation and maintenance industries, pest control operators, and extension colleagues to study pest and disease management strategies and other landscape best management practices.
- 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.
- Work with landscape professionals, agencies, and organizations to assist or lead cooperative and interdisciplinary projects.
- Create extension educational events that offer continuing education units (CEUs) relevant to target clientele licenses.
- Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
- Produce creative scholarly works and audience-friendly publications.
What you will bring (required)
- A bachelor’s degree in plant science, environmental horticulture, entomology, or a related field. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by December 2024.
- Technical expertise in horticulture.
- Self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
- Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
- Good organizational development and management skills.
- Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams.
- Ability to use information technology and apply social media to extension work.
- 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 core values.