County Extension Faculty Positions 

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

Northwest District

Jefferson County - Monticello, FL - Extension Agent I - III – Horticulture, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (532180)

Closing date: July 29, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Monticello, FL

  Open Date

  July 1, 2024

  Deadline

  July 29, 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

  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 Jefferson 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 and small farms, 2) Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training in Jefferson County, 3) production agriculture, and 4) natural resources. In addition, all non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program.

  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 Jefferson 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 Agriculture 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 agronomy, 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. 
  • A commitment to UF core values .
     

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Walton County - DeFuniak Springs, FL - Extension Agent I - III – Sustainable Agriculture and Small Farms (532269)

Closing date: August 7, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  DeFuniak Springs, FL

  Open Date

  July 10, 2024

  Deadline

  August 7, 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

  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 Walton County are seeking an Extension Agent to design, implement, and evaluate extension programming to meet the needs of the county’s varied population. This position includes programming in 1) sustaining and improving agricultural profitability and 2) improving farm and land management practices. In addition, all non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program.

  What you will do:

  • Design, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs supporting landowners, growers, and producers in Walton County.
  • Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Best Management Practices (BMP) promoting efficiency, sustainability, and environmentally sound principles for Walton County clientele.
  • 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.
  • Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.) and write non-technical, people-friendly publications.
  • 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.
  • 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 agriculture, agronomy, animal sciences, or plant sciences. 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 and willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel. 
  • A commitment to UF core values. 
     

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Northeast District

Central District

Southwest District

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

Closing date: August 2, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Palmetto, FL

  Open Date

  March 27, 2024

  Deadline

  August 2, 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 . 

  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. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by August 2024. 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.  

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Multi County - Extension Agent II - IV - Citrus (529216)

Closing date: August 1, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  negotiable, FL

  Open Date

  November 1, 2023

  Deadline

  August 1, 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 .

  Location will be negotiated with in the Multi County Region of Desoto, Hardee, or Manatee Counties, Florida (Southwest Extension District)

  Position summary

  There are approximately 108,000 acres of citrus in the Florida production area of Hardee, Desoto and Manatee counties. The successful citrus multi-county extension agent will develop, implement, evaluate, promote, and report on comprehensive educational programs to help producers and landowners more effectively interpret and use findings of current science and technology. This agent will be expected to teach the most effective strategies of citrus to deal with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect water quality, water management, horticultural and economic and other advisory committee related topics. All Extension faculty are expected to explore opportunities to supplement state and county fiscal support for Extension programming.

  The agent must develop effective working relationships with citrus growers, associated citrus organizations, advisory committees, community leaders, media, related state and local agencies, regulatory agencies, and the public. The successful candidate will work with county extension faculty in the Southwest District and statewide with Extension specialists, researchers and other Extension Agents focused on Citrus and other fruit crops around the state, specifically those located at the Citrus Research and Education Center (Lake Alfred), other REC’s and the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. All Extension agents devote at least 5% of their Extension programming to the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program.  

  Specific extension program focus

  • Develop, conduct, coordinate and evaluate educational programs for citrus.
  • Provide training in agricultural and horticultural Best Management Practices for water resource protection.
  • Provide agriculture worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees (worker protection standards, farm safety, etc.).
  • Participate as a member of the regional food safety training team.
  • Provide guidance and educational programming on citrus pest management, including insect, mite, disease and weed management.
  • Assist with pesticide applicator educational programs including the supervision of testing for agricultural pesticide restricted use pesticide applicators.
  • Provide support for growers on other fruit and alternative crops grown in the area.
  • Provide technical support for volunteer education.
  • Establish and maintain an effective advisory committee to assist with program development and implementation.
  • Assist with 4-H/Youth Development citrus and fruit crop educational programs.

  Additional Information: The position will work cooperatively with Hardee, Desoto and Manatee County Extension Directors to provide educational programming to the citrus industry and will be located in one of the three counties. (Location will be determined at time of hire).

  What you will bring (required):

  This position requires a master’s degree with a strong academic background in plant science, horticultural science, crop science, entomology, plant pathology, soil and water science, agricultural and biological engineering, or a closely related field.

  Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver public presentations, to produce publications and other materials used in Extension programming, and to work effectively with diverse groups. Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework/training on multicultural topics are also desirable. Candidates must have the ability to form working relationships and teams with colleagues. Knowledge of and experience with information technology to support the delivery of educational programs is preferred. The agent must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License, along with the ability to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license within 1 year of employment. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

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Southeast District