County Extension Faculty Positions
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Other Extension Agent Opportunities
Collier County - Extension Agent I-III – Commercial Horticulture (541739)
Closing date: November 1, 2026
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Details
Location
Naples, FLOpen Date
October 16, 2026
Deadline
November 1, 2026You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
The Opportunity
The University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Collier County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent I-III position in Commercial Horticulture. This faculty position provides leadership for a comprehensive commercial horticulture Extension program serving Collier County's landscape, nursery, arboriculture, pest management, turfgrass, and green industry sectors.
The successful candidate will develop, implement, evaluate, and report innovative, research-based educational programs addressing current and emerging issues affecting commercial horticulture businesses, environmental stewardship, workforce development, pesticide licensing, and landscape sustainability. This position is jointly supported by UF/IFAS Extension and Collier County and reports to the County Extension Director with programmatic guidance from appropriate state and regional Extension leadership.
Program Development and Delivery
- Conduct formal and informal needs assessments to identify priorities affecting commercial horticulture stakeholders throughout Collier County.
- Develop, deliver, evaluate, and report science-based educational programs addressing integrated pest management, plant health care, irrigation efficiency, water conservation, fertilizer best management practices, arboriculture, invasive species management, storm resilience, landscape sustainability, worker protection safety, and emerging horticultural issues.
- Plan and deliver in-person and virtual educational programs including workshops, field demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification courses, professional development programs, and industry conferences.
- Deliver Green Industries Best Management Practices education and related workforce development programming.
- Provide continuing education opportunities supporting pesticide applicator licensing and other professional credentials in partnership with industry associations and regulatory agencies.
- Translate university research into practical recommendations that improve profitability, environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and risk management within commercial horticulture operations.
Industry and Community Engagement
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with landscape professionals, nursery operators, arborists, pest management professionals, turf managers, municipalities, and public agencies.
- Develop and maintain a stakeholder advisory committee representing commercial horticulture interests to assist with program planning, evaluation, and accountability.
- Collaborate with industry organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and community partners to address horticultural and environmental priorities.
- Serve as a trusted source of research-based information and technical assistance for commercial horticulture clientele throughout Collier County.
Scholarship and Collaboration
- Demonstrate Extension scholarship through educational innovation, applied demonstrations, publications, presentations, impact reporting, and other scholarly activities.
- Collaborate with county, regional, and state Extension faculty on multidisciplinary initiatives addressing agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, urban landscapes, and water quality.
- Pursue grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other external funding opportunities that enhance program effectiveness and reach.
- Maintain active participation in relevant professional associations and continuing education opportunities.
Organizational Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate records and complete plans of work, reports of accomplishment, impact documentation, and accountability reports in accordance with University and Extension policies.
- Utilize data-driven evaluation methods to document program effectiveness, stakeholder behavior change, and economic, environmental, and social impacts.
- Participate in Extension office initiatives, county activities, and emergency management responsibilities as assigned.
- Support youth development programming as a minor component of the position (approximately 5%).
Hendry County - Extension Agent I-II – Family and Consumer Sciences (Health and Nutrition) (541762)
Closing date: November 18, 2026
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Details
Location
LaBelle, FLOpen Date
October 20, 2026
Deadline
November 18, 2026You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
The Opportunity
This full-time, 12-month, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent I or II position in Family and Consumer Sciences will deliver comprehensive programming focused on nutrition, chronic disease prevention and management, food literacy, and community health improvement across Hendry County. The successful candidate will also apply their expertise to strengthen youth nutrition education and food literacy in collaboration with 4-H programming (5%). This position is jointly funded by UF/IFAS Extension and the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners.
Program Development and Delivery
- Design and implement research-based educational programs addressing adult nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and lifestyle management.
- Deliver hands-on food and nutrition education through teaching kitchen demonstrations and food preparation classes.
- Develop and deliver food literacy programming focused on budgeting, food safety, and meal planning.
- Promote efficient use of food resources to strengthen household and community resilience.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Establish strong collaborations with County Health Departments, food distribution sites, senior centers, schools, faith-based organizations, and community organizations.
- Partner with Hendry County and UF/IFAS Extension faculty and stakeholders to explore development of a local farmer’s market in Hendry County.
- Build initiatives that promote local food systems and improve access to fresh, nutritious foods.
Scholarship and Professional Responsibilities
- Document program impacts using established evaluation methods.
- Maintain accurate records and reports in compliance with UF/IFAS Extension standards.
- Document program outcomes and impacts using UF/IFAS Extension reporting systems.
- Participate in professional development, interdisciplinary teams, and applied scholarship appropriate to rank.
- Contribute to county and state Extension initiatives as assigned.
Multi-County (Polk-Hillsborough) - Bartow, FL - Extension Agent I-IV – Commercial Citrus, Multi-County (540814)
Closing date: October 29, 2026
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Details
Location
Bartow, FLOpen Date
August 3, 2026
Deadline
October 29, 2026You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
University of Florida IFAS Extension and Polk County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Citrus Extension Agent position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. As the agent you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive Citrus Extension program. The focus areas include teaching the most effective strategies of citrus production by interpreting and applying current science and technology in the field. Areas of expertise include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies; Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and conservation; environmental stewardship in agricultural production; supporting sustainability of economic viability of citrus production; and other related topics.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of innovative citrus education programs that address emerging industry needs and support grower success.
- Reinforce agricultural and horticultural best management best practices by providing training focused on water quality protection, conservation, and sustainable production systems.
- Serve as a trusted technical resource for citrus pest management, delivering science-based guidance on insects, mites, diseases, and weed control strategies.
- Design and distribute engaging educational experiences through consultations, workshops, seminars, field demonstrations, clinics, livestreams, and virtual learning platforms tailored to stakeholder needs.
- Create high-impact educational and outreach materials, including multimedia presentations, fact sheets, abstracts, and other scholarly and professional communications.
- Secure external funding and program resources by pursuing grants, sponsorships, awards, and revenue-generating opportunities that expand program reach and impact.
- Enhance workforce safety and regulatory compliance by providing agricultural worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.
- Support professional development within the agricultural community by offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors and other industry leaders.
- Utilize emerging technologies and digital tools to improve program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and field-based problem solving.
- Cultivate strong partnerships by facilitating an active stakeholder advisory committee that helps identify priorities and shape impactful programming.
- Provide production and management support for citrus growers while also addressing educational needs related to alternative fruit and specialty crop systems in the region.
- Demonstrate leadership in youth agricultural education by supporting and advancing 4-H citrus and fruit crop development programs.
- Contribute technical expertise to Master Gardener Volunteer training, strengthening community horticulture education and outreach efforts.
- Drive interdisciplinary collaboration across Extension programs, partnering with other agents to expand agricultural awareness, strengthen community engagement, and increase visibility of local Extension initiatives.
Your office will be located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL.
Note: This position will have a mandatory “division essential” role in times of emergency. In Polk County, this role includes initial damage assessments for growers and may include recovery efforts in support of agriculture producers.
Further information:
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a dynamic and highly impactful team of Extension educators and staff serving the county’s communities and agriculture industry. Areas of programming include commercial agriculture (citrus, livestock); small farms and alternative enterprises; environmental horticulture; natural resources and conservation; residential horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™; the Master Gardener Volunteer program; 4-H Youth Development; Family and Consumer Sciences; and community development.
Located in west-central Florida, Polk and Hillsborough Counties represent two of the state's most significant agricultural regions and provide exceptional opportunities for Commercial Horticulture programming with a strong emphasis on citrus production. Together, the two counties encompass more than 3,200 square miles and serve a combined population exceeding 2.4 million residents. While Hillsborough County includes the metropolitan Tampa area and a rapidly expanding urban sector, Polk County remains one of Florida's premier agricultural counties and has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the state's citrus industry.
We Offer Exceptional Benefits
- Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
- Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages with 10+ paid holidays, paid family, sick and vacation leave
- Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities: Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
- Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of innovative citrus education programs that address emerging industry needs and support grower success.