County Extension Faculty Positions 

For information on how to apply to a County Extension Faculty position, please visit this page.

Northwest District

Santa Rosa County - Milton, FL - County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV – Small Farms and Sustainable Agriculture (532627)

Closing date: January 31, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Milton, FL

  Open Date

  August 7, 2024

  Deadline

  January 31, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  You 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.  

  University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Santa Rosa County are seeking to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED). The educational responsibilities of this agent encompass strong leadership within the agent’s academic specialty to design, implement, and evaluate extension programming to meet the needs of the county’s varied population. This position includes programming with an emphasis on small farms in 1) sustaining and improving farm agricultural profitability and 2) improving farm and land management practices. Your role as an Extension Agent will account for 75% of time in your specific program area. All non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Your role as CED will account for no more than 20% of your time.

  What you will do as an Extension Agent:

  • Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Best Management Practices (BMP) promoting efficiency, sustainability, and environmentally sound principles for Santa Rosa County clientele with an emphasis on small farms and land management.
  • Design, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs supporting landowners, growers, and producers with small farms in Santa Rosa County.
  • Conduct needs-based assessments to assist you in developing programmatic priorities. This includes building an advisory committee who will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audience.
  • Collaborate with peers in Northwest District Program Implementation Teams to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs to meet clientele needs.  
  • Create strategies for program enhancement to include fee-based events, sponsorships, and grants and manage all components related to fiscal accountability (policies, records, risk, etc.).  
  • Promote educational programs and engage with the community through various news media outlets, including TV, radio, and print, raising awareness of Extension's mission and horticultural expertise.

  What you will do as a County Extension Director:

  • Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county faculty members and staff members.
  • Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County.
  • Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
  • Collaborate with Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
  • Adhere to all University of Florida and Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.

   

  What you will bring (required)

  • A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, agronomy, animal sciences, or plant sciences.
  • At least five years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Evidence of exceptional leadership, collaboration, and partnerships with diverse audiences, community leaders, agencies, media, and the public.
  • Ability to possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
  • Flexibility with working hours - ability to travel overnight and, based on clientele availability, occasionally work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight.
  • Willingness to reside in Santa Rosa County or a directly adjacent county.
  • Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   
     

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Wakulla County - Crawfordville, FL - Extension Agent I - III – Horticulture, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (532109)

Closing date: February 5, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Crawfordville, FL

  Open Date

  June 27, 2024

  Deadline

  February 5, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  You 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.  

  University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Wakulla County are seeking an Extension Agent to design, implement, and evaluate extension programming that meets the needs of the county’s varied population. This position includes 1) residential horticulture, 2) Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training in Wakulla and Franklin counties, 3) small farms, and 4) inland and coastal natural resources. In addition, all non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Wakulla County faculty collaborate frequently and share expertise with neighboring Franklin and Gulf counties.

  What you will do:

  • Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) and Florida Friendly Landscape (FFL) principles that promote sustainability and environmentally sound principles for Wakulla County clientele involved in commercial or residential horticultural enterprises. 
  • Recruit, train, develop, and support a group of Master Gardener volunteers to expand program scope.  
  • Collaborate with the Northwest District Horticulture Program Implementation Team and Natural Resource Program Implementation Team working with peers to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs to meet clientele needs.  
  • Create strategies for program enhancement to include fee-based events, sponsorships, and grants and manage all components related to fiscal accountability (policies, records, risk, etc.).  
  • Build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals who will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audience.
  • Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.) and write non-technical, people-friendly publications.
  • Promote educational programs and engage with the community through various news media outlets, including TV, radio, and print, raising awareness of Extension's mission and horticultural expertise.
  • Collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county and district Extension program.

  What you will bring (required)

  • A bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related agriculture related field.
    If hired as Extension Agent II or above, a Master’s degree is required.
  • Strong oral and written interpersonal and communication skills. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.    
     

  Read More

Northeast District

Nassau County - Yulee, FL - Extension Agent I - II - Environmental Horticulture & Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator (533678)

Closing date: December 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Yulee, FL

  Open Date

  October 28, 2024

  Deadline

  December 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  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 Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU), administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

  At UF, Extension is located in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and UF/IFAS Extension.

  UF/IFAS is a federal, state, and county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties.

  The Opportunity

  University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Nassau County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent position. Nassau County, an urbanizing county in northeast Florida, with both a resort/beach and rural community, wishes to hire an individual with skills in residential landscapes and volunteer management.

  As the Agent, you will build an extension program that provides public education on issues related to residential horticulture and water conservation in Nassau County. You will oversee the Master Gardener Volunteer program including the daily operation of all Master Gardener Volunteer events, projects, and committees. You will conduct or coordinate on-going training for existing Master Gardener Volunteers and an annual training program for recruitment of new volunteers.

  You will collaborate with faculty in other program areas in carrying out programs in agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, and 4-H Youth Development. You will also devote 10% of your effort to 4-H Youth Development in your area of expertise.

  You will follow all University of Florida and Nassau County policies and procedures and will perform other duties as assigned by the County Extension Director and Northeast District Extension Director.

  What you are responsible for:

  • Develop, implement, maintain, and evaluate comprehensive county horticulture and volunteer development programs in cooperation with local citizens, organizations, volunteers, businesses, agencies, and county/state extension colleagues.
  • Teach residential Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ programs, including sustainable home food production. In addition to individual residents, residential horticulture programming may include landscape professionals, homeowner’s associations, builders, and developers.
  • Recruit, train, manage, and retain existing and potential Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs)
  • Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to strengthen current educational programs while reviewing and implementing new policies, maintaining records, assessing risks, communicating, and marketing effectively across social media platforms, managing financial resources, and creating education materials and opportunities for Nassau County.
  • Develop and maintain an active residential horticulture advisory committee that will provide input for the direction of the program.
  • Work with other agents as part of a team and collaborating on projects such as grants and events.
  • Obtain extramural funding for program delivery and enhancement.
  • Develop or assist with 4-H Youth Development activities (10% Full-time equivalent).
  • Participate in appropriate professional organizations.
  • Develop a financial plan to acquire funding to support your programs that may include contracts, grants, sponsorships, and subscriptions that follow UF regulations and UF accounting standards.
  • Attend and contribute to professional meetings, in-service trainings, and actively seek out professional development opportunities.
  • Create and follow a professional development plan.
  • Follow all UF/IFAS Extension policies regarding program development, and reporting.
  • Attain promotion and permanent status per state extension faculty guidelines.

  Other assignments and responsibilities will be carried out in support of the total Extension program. The successful candidate will follow all university and county policies and procedures. Additional duties may be assigned by the County Extension Director or District Extension Director.

  In addition, the county faculty member must possess good verbal, written and listening communication skills; have qualities of resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness; and have good organizational development and management skills. Knowledge and experience with computer technology and social media are essential.

  The agent’s primary work location is the Rebecca L. Jordi Cooperative Extension Office at 85831 Miner Road, Yulee, FL 32097. The Callahan Extension Satellite Office (543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011) shall serve as a secondary work location, as needed.

  What you will bring (required)

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental horticulture, Horticultural Sciences or a closely-related field. Applicants who will earn their bachelor’s degree within six months of the closing date will be considered. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to advance in your career by making at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Tuition assistance opportunities are available from the University through the Employee Education Program (EEP). To be hired at the Agent II rank, candidates must hold an MS degree. Rank (I or II) will be determined according to UF rank requirements.
  • Technical expertise in horticulture.
  • A commitment to positive and proactive customer service, shown by timely and efficient response to clients.
  • Strong oral and written interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance diverse responsibilities.
  • Good record-keeping techniques.
  • Technological literacy necessary for communication and program management, including social media.
  • 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.

  Read More

Central District

Hernando County - Brooksville, FL - Extension Agent I or II - Agriculture and Natural Resources (534180)

Closing date: January 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Brooksville, FL

  Open Date

  December 10, 2024

  Deadline

  January 9, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  You 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 Hernando County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 Brooksville.

  As the Agent, your major program responsibilities will include agritourism, row crops, ornamental crops, fruits, vegetables, forage, and agronomic innovations. Challenges such as urban encroachment, water resource management, and environmental sustainability underline the critical need for an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent to provide research-based education and technical assistance.

  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.
  • Work closely with local producers, advisory committees, and regulatory agencies to implement sustainable agricultural practices and statewide initiatives to conserve water and protect aquifers.
  • Introduce technologies to enhance precision agriculture, natural resource management, and cost efficiency.
  • 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 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 University of Florida policies and procedures and policies and procedures set by Hernando County government as deemed relevant. UF and Hernando 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/soil 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 May 2025. A master’s degree and relevant work experience are required to be considered for an agent II appointment.
  • 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 towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.
  • 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.

  Read More

Osceola County - Kissimmee, FL - Extension Agent I - II - 4-H Youth Development (533366)

Closing date: December 18 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Kissimmee, FL

  Open Date

  October 2, 2024

  Deadline

  December 18, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  You 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.

  Read More

Southwest District

Manatee County - Palmetto, FL -  Extension Agent I - IV – Sustainable Food Systems (530905)

Closing date: January 15, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Palmetto, FL

  Open Date

  March 27, 2024

  Deadline

  January 15, 2025 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  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 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 UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. IFAS Extension employs 375 Extension Agents and has an office in each of Florida’s 67 counties.

  Our mission in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service is to partner with communities to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to improve health, environment, and the economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.

  We look for people with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments and innovate in a rapidly changing world. 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 great benefits.

  As an Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Manatee County government. As an extension educator, you will design, implement, and evaluate sustainable food system educational programs to assist clientele in sustainable production practices on fruit and vegetable farms. You will devote 5% of your time contributing to our 4-H Youth Development program. Your target audiences will include fruit and vegetable producers, both large and small producers, farmer’s market management, entrepreneurs, allied industry representatives, national, state, and local agencies, Manatee County citizens youth and adult, among others. Your comprehensive sustainable food systems educational program will be guided by an advisory committee that represents the needs of the county’s population.

  What you will do as the Sustainable Food Systems Extension Agent:

  • Develop, conduct, coordinate, evaluate, and report on educational programs for sustainable food systems to include fruit and vegetable production.
  • Provide on-site technical assistance and teaching to facilitate the implementation of Best Agricultural Practices in fruit and vegetable production which includes appropriate fertilizer and pesticide use.
  • Teach integrated pest management, including insect, mites, diseases, and weed management, which increase resource use efficiency.
  • Teach water conservation and efficient irrigation practices to achieve behavior change leading to documented water savings. You will be utilizing soil moisture sensor technology to assist you.
  • Teach Florida Department of Consumer Services (FDACS) pesticide license certification and Worker Protection Standards to horticulture professionals and administer pesticide exams.
  • Supervision of the Community Garden Program Specialist position.
  • Deliver consumer awareness educational programs such as farm tours and producer panels to promote agriculture awareness.
  • Work with Manatee County 4-H and other youth interested in agriculture-related projects including plant production.
  • Establish and maintain an effective advisory committee to assist with program development and implementation.
  • Collaborate with local growers and UF/IFAS Research and Education Center faculty to help design, conduct, and evaluate studies (including demonstration trials) that assess fruit and vegetable crop variety performance, response to fertilizer and other crop nutrition inputs, and improved methods for weed/pest management.
  • Market the extension program through multi-media platforms.
  • Target programs to reflect the area’s population and unique educational needs using a variety of program delivery methods.
  • Develop community partnerships.
  • Work as part of a team with local producers, organizations, agencies, and UF/IFAS colleagues to promote agriculture.
  • Strategize extension educational events that also offer continuing education units (CEUs) relevant to target clientele.
  • Establish and maintain an effective system for accountability.
  • Produce “extension-friendly” creative works and publications.
  • Actively participate in professional societies (committees, leadership roles).
  • Write an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment.
  • Work closely with Manatee County Government to follow all procedures and guidelines as a joint employee of UF/IFAS and Manatee County Government.
  • Assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Extension Director.

  What you will bring (required):

  • A bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticultural science, agronomy, food systems management, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, you will be expected 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 written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to establish solid partnerships and to find innovative ways to attract new audiences and volunteers.
  • A commitment to customer service.
  • Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
  • Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
  • A commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.  

  Read More

Southeast District

Miami-Dade County - Homestead, FL - County Extension Director & Extension Agent II - IV (532842)

Closing date: December 18, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Homestead, FL

  Open Date

  August 21, 2024

  Deadline

  December 18, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

  You 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

  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. As a County Extension Director (CED) and Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department. As the CED and Extension agent, you will provide leadership and support for administering and supervising the total extension program within Miami-Dade County. Your guidance will be informed by an advisory committee that addresses the diverse needs of the county's population, aiming to enhance community capacity through effective leadership.

  As County Extension Director, the candidate will be able to:

  • Lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate county faculty and staff.
  • Work closely with county extension personnel concerning staff relationships, morale,budgets and compensation, professional development, and performance evaluations.
  • Foster an inclusive environment and build effective relationships with stakeholders, county government, community leaders, private sector clientele, media, government agencies, county residents, and UF/IFAS faculty, staff, and extension administration.
  • Assemble and regularly consult an overall advisory committee reflective of county demographics and stakeholders to ensure that all county extension programs are important and relevant and effectively advocate for community extension.
  • Assure that each county faculty member maintains an extension advisory committee in his/her respective subject matter and areas of responsibility.
  • Provide strong and positive leadership to faculty to develop and implement educational programs.
  • Prepare and defend the annual county budget that supports the Miami-Dade County Extension Service offices and oversee, review, and approve expenditures for the department.
  • Demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, collaboration, leadership, and innovation to strengthen current educational programs while reviewing and implementing new policies, evaluating performance, maintaining records, assessing risks, communicating, marketing effectively across multi-media platforms, managing financial resources, directing strategic planning, and creating educational materials and opportunities for Miami-Dade County.
  • Collaborate with local growers and UF/IFAS Research Center faculty to help design, conduct, and evaluate studies (including demonstration trials) that assess agriculture and natural resources in Miami-Dade County.

  What you will bring (required)

  • A master’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community development, educational administration, other behavioral sciences, or a related field.
  • Attained Permanent Status, Tenure, or equivalent with at least 5 years of professional extension experience.
  • Evidence of administrative leadership, managerial skills, and the ability to work with administrators, faculty, and government personnel.
  • 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. 

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