County Extension Faculty Positions
Make a Statewide Impact. Lead Youth Development. Shape the Future.
Join our team and gain an opportunity to design, lead, and grow a comprehensive youth development program within one of the nation’s premier land-grant university systems. Click here to express interest in the 4-H Extension Agent Campaign!
Other Extension Agent Opportunities
Associate Director of County Logistics for County Relations and Extension Agent III-IV or Program Extension Agent III-IV (541368)
Closing date: October 1, 2026
-
Details
Location
Statewide Assignment – location to be determined
Open Date
September 16, 2026
Deadline
October 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 Statewide Associate Director of County Logistics serves as a principal relationship manager between UF/IFAS Extension Administration and Florida’s county governments. Reporting to the Director of County Logistics, this position provides statewide leadership in strengthening partnerships with county administrators, county commissioners, constitutional officers, County Extension Directors, and other local-government leaders.
The position advances Community Resource Development by building the organizational capacity, leadership practices, collaborative networks, and public understanding necessary to support strong communities and sustainable county-university partnerships. The Associate Director provides executive-level consultation, anticipates emerging county concerns, supports resolution of complex relationship matters, and communicates the public value of Extension programming.
This position works closely with County Extension Directors, Extension Administration, state program leaders, business services personnel, government associations, and community partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, organizational diplomacy, strategic communication, and the ability to represent UF/IFAS Extension effectively throughout Florida.
Extension Agent III or IV is a 12-month, permanent-status-accruing faculty appointment, determined by the selected candidate’s qualifications and record of accomplishment. University title information identifies both ranks as permanent-status accruing. Extension Agent III requires a master’s degree with qualifying experience or accomplishments and evidence of creative work, professional writing, or applied Extension research. Extension Agent IV additionally calls for statewide recognition and high-quality educational, creative, professional, or applied research work. Program Extension Agent III or IV is a non-permanent-status-accruing faculty appointment.
The Associate Director of County Logistics for County Relations will carry out the following responsibilities:
Statewide County-Government Relations
- Build and maintain productive relationships with county administrators, county commissioners, constitutional officers, association leaders, and other local-government officials.
- Represent UF/IFAS Extension Administration in executive-level county discussions, statewide meetings, conferences, and strategic engagements.
- Conduct regular county visits to understand local priorities, identify emerging concerns, and reinforce the value of the county-university partnership.
- Coordinate timely, constructive responses to county concerns through consultation, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving.
Community Resource Development Leadership
- Design and advance strategies that strengthen local leadership, organizational capacity, civic understanding, collaborative planning, and community problem-solving.
- Identify statewide educational needs related to county governance, community decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and public leadership.
- Connect Extension faculty and county leaders with research-based resources that support informed decisions and resilient community systems.
- Develop methods for assessing relationship health, community priorities, stakeholder confidence, and the effectiveness of county engagement.
County Extension Director Consultation
- Serve as a strategic advisor to County Extension Directors on governmental relations, organizational communication, public value, and stakeholder management.
- Coach County Extension Directors in preparing for meetings, presentations, budget discussions, leadership transitions, and complex county matters.
- Support relationship continuity when county administrators, commissioners, Extension leaders, or other key officials change.
- Clarify roles while recognizing that County Extension Directors retain responsibility for day-to-day county relationships.
Education and Public Value
- Help plan and deliver educational programs for county commissioners, newly elected officials, administrators, and other government leaders.
- Explain the federal, state, and county partnership supporting Florida Cooperative Extension.
- Develop presentations, briefing materials, impact narratives, and engagement strategies that communicate Extension’s return on investment and public benefits.
- Gather and analyze feedback from county leaders to inform organizational planning and service improvement.
Collaboration, Scholarship, and Administration
- Collaborate with the Director of County Logistics, Extension Administration, state program leaders, business services personnel, faculty, and external organizations.
- Contribute to strategic planning, committees, task forces, special projects, and organizational initiatives.
- Manage travel, records, communications, and assigned resources in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.
- Track outcomes and metrics; prepare reports and updates for relevant stakeholders; represent the UF/IFAS Extension on committees and working groups as assigned.
Expected Outcomes
- Stronger, more consistent relationships between UF/IFAS Extension and Florida county governments.
- Increased confidence among county administrators, commissioners, and other officials in the value of Extension.
- Enhanced consultation and strategic support for County Extension Directors.
- Expanded collaboration with county associations and other statewide organizations.
- Improved communication of Extension outcomes, public benefits, and return on investment.
- Greater organizational capacity to anticipate, manage, and resolve county-relations challenges.
- Sustained county support for the partnership that enables Extension programming throughout Florida.
State Program Leader & Extension Agent III-IV or Program Extension Agent III-IV or Associate Professor or Professor (541351)
Closing date: September 30, 2026
-
Details
Location
Gainesville, FLOpen Date
September 15, 2026
Deadline
September 30, 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 12-month, statewide, faculty leadership position serves as the State Program Leader for UF/IFAS Extension Initiatives 2, 3 and 4, providing strategic vision, administrative leadership, faculty coordination, and programmatic oversight to advance organizational priorities and maximize statewide impact. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Extension administration, county faculty, state specialists, research and education center faculty, initiative leadership teams, and external stakeholders to strengthen Extension's ability to address emerging issues affecting Florida's communities, economy, natural resources, and quality of life. These priorities are outlined in the Strategic Pathway Document.
Initiative 2: Enhancing and Protecting Water Quality, Quantity and Supply
Initiative 3: Enhancing and Conserving Florida’s Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Initiative 4: Creating Sustainable Urban and Suburban Communities
The State Program Leader serves as the statewide programmatic leader for assigned initiatives and is responsible for fostering collaboration, enhancing accountability, and ensuring alignment between Extension programming and institutional goals. This position may be filled at the rank of Extension Agent III or IV, Program Extension Agent III or IV, Associate Professor, or Full Professor, depending upon qualifications and experience.
Please note: The Extension Agent track is permanent status-accruing, and the Program Extension Agent track is non-permanent status-accruing in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES). The track followed by a successful candidate who does not currently hold permanent status in FCES will be agreed upon by UF and the candidate. It will depend on the current position and experience. A successful candidate who currently holds permanent status in FCES will follow the Extension Agent track.
The Associate Professor or Professor track is tenure-accruing.
Statewide Programmatic Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership for Initiatives 2, 3 and 4 and support the development of long-term strategic priorities.
- Lead development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of statewide plans of work.
- Identify emerging statewide needs and opportunities for Extension engagement.
- Ensure programmatic alignment with UF/IFAS Extension strategic priorities and organizational objectives.
- Promote interdisciplinary approaches that integrate research, Extension, and stakeholder needs.
Faculty Leadership and Coordination
- Coordinate efforts among county faculty, state specialists, research and education center faculty, and initiative leadership teams.
- Support faculty excellence in program development, delivery, evaluation, scholarship, and impact reporting.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among faculty working within assigned initiatives.
- Conduct annual evaluations of faculty assigned within the program areas identified in Initiatives 2, 3 and 4.
- Promote professional development, mentoring, and leadership growth among Extension personnel.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, industry organizations, nonprofit groups, commodity associations, and community partners.
- Facilitate statewide collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships.
- Review and coordinate partnership opportunities, proposals, and collaborative activities within assigned initiatives.
- Engage stakeholders in identifying priorities and evaluating program effectiveness.
Administrative Leadership and Organizational Alignment
- Meet regularly with Extension administration to ensure programmatic and administrative alignment.
- Lead implementation of strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Coordinate statewide meetings, retreats, and planning activities that promote collaboration and accountability.
- Work collaboratively across organizational units to strengthen Extension effectiveness and efficiency.
Financial Management, Evaluation, and Accountability
- Manage financial resources and programmatic portfolios as assigned.
- Assist with budget development, fiscal planning, and resource allocation.
- Support grant development and external funding efforts.
- Ensure measurable outcomes through effective program evaluation and accountability systems.
- Contribute to statewide reporting processes and documentation of program impacts.
Broward County - Extension Agent II-III – Environmental Horticulture (541261)
Closing date: September 27, 2026
-
Details
Location
Davie, FLOpen Date
September 4, 2026
Deadline
September 27, 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 12-month, permanent-status accruing Extension Agent II-III position provides leadership for Environmental Horticulture programming in Broward County and reports directly to the County Extension Director. The successful candidate will develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate a UF/IFAS Extension Pathway Initiative 4 aligned environmental education program to serve landscape professionals, arborists, nursery operators, municipal employees, property managers, pest management professionals, youth audiences (5% programmatic appointment), and other green industry stakeholders.
The agent will identify community and industry needs then deliver impactful educational programs and services that address emerging issues affecting Broward County's green industry sector while promoting environmental stewardship, urban forest sustainability, and responsible resource management.
Environmental Horticulture Program Development and Delivery
- Develop and implement a comprehensive environmental horticulture Extension program based on stakeholder needs, county priorities, and statewide Extension Pathway statewide action plans.
- Deliver educational workshops, demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification training, and technical assistance programs.
- Prepare fact sheets, newsletters, digital resources, social media content, and other educational materials.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and document outcomes and impacts in accordance with Extension reporting requirements.
- Utilize innovative technologies and educational methods to expand program reach and effectiveness.
Green-Industry Best Management Practices
- Provide leadership in Green Industries Best Management Practices education, outreach and testing for certification.
- Conduct training programs focused on nutrient management, irrigation efficiency, integrated pest management, and environmental compliance.
- Promote practices that improve landscape performance while protecting water quality and natural resources.
- Collaborate with industry professionals and regulatory agencies to encourage adoption of science-based management practices.
Urban Forestry and Tree Management
- Develop and deliver educational programs related to tree selection, planting, pruning, maintenance, risk reduction, and storm resilience.
- Promote proper tree trimming standards and arboricultural best practices.
- Assist municipalities, landscape professionals, and arborists in addressing urban forestry issues.
- Support initiatives that enhance Broward County’s urban forest health, sustainability, and resilience.
Invasive Species Management
- Develop educational programs addressing invasive plant identification, prevention, monitoring, and management.
- Promote integrated management strategies that protect native ecosystems and urban landscapes.
- Collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to address invasive species concerns and emerging threats.
Partnerships, Leadership, and Administration
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and community groups.
- Facilitate advisory group participation to determine educational needs and service gaps.
- Participate in county, district, and statewide Extension Initiative Teams
- Seek external support, sponsorships, and collaborative funding opportunities that enhance program capacity.
- Incorporate youth education and career awareness opportunities into programming activities, with youth engagement representing a minimum of five percent of the appointment.
- Prepare annual reporting, impact summaries, and other administrative documents as required.
Supervision
- Directly supervise at least one Program Assistant.
- Provide leadership, performance coaching, work planning, and professional development opportunities to Program Assistant.
- Coordinate support activities that ensure effective program delivery and customer service.
Working Conditions
The position requires a combination of office, classroom, and field-based responsibilities. A significant portion of the assignment involves conducting educational programs, demonstrations, and site visits in outdoor settings throughout Broward County. Candidates should be comfortable working in South Florida environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, direct sunlight, rain, and exposure to insects and other natural elements. The position requires the ability to walk on uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and transport educational materials and equipment necessary for program delivery. Travel within the county and occasional travel elsewhere in Florida will be required.
About UF
The University of Florida is one of the nation’s leading public land-grant universities, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and service. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the University of Florida is committed to addressing critical societal challenges through innovation, scholarship, and community engagement. The university provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that improves lives locally, nationally, and globally.
About UF/IFAS Extension
UF/IFAS Extension is the statewide outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Through county Extension offices, research and education centers, and statewide program teams, UF/IFAS Extension delivers research-based information and educational programs that help individuals, businesses, communities, and governments make informed decisions. Extension professionals serve as trusted resources, translating university research into practical applications that address agricultural, environmental, economic, and social issues affecting Florida’s residents.
UF/IFAS Extension reaches communities throughout Florida by providing educational leadership in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, family and consumer sciences, sustainability, water resources, and community development. Extension programs are developed through stakeholder input and are designed to create measurable impacts that improve quality of life, strengthen industries, and support environmental stewardship.
Extension professionals work collaboratively with local governments, industry organizations, schools, nonprofit partners, and residents to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions. Educational efforts include workshops, demonstrations, consultations, field days, online training, publications, applied research, and technical assistance programs.
This position provides a unique opportunity to serve one of Florida’s largest and most dynamic urban green industry markets. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting green industry professionals, municipalities, arborists, landscape contractors, and other stakeholders through science-based education focused on sustainable landscape management and natural resource protection.
The University of Florida offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits. Information regarding employee benefits is available at UF Benefits.
About Broward County
Broward County is located in southeastern Florida between Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and encompasses approximately 1,323 square miles. With a population exceeding two million residents, Broward is one of Florida’s most populous counties and includes 31 municipalities ranging from highly urbanized coastal communities to western areas adjacent to the Everglades.
The county supports a substantial urban horticulture industry that includes landscape maintenance companies, arboriculture firms, municipal parks departments, golf courses, nurseries, property management organizations, and environmental consulting businesses. Year-round growing conditions create significant opportunities for the green industry while also presenting challenges associated with tropical pests, invasive species, water conservation, fertilizer management, urban forestry, and hurricane preparedness.
UF/IFAS Extension Broward County maintains strong partnerships with local governments, state agencies, industry associations, schools, environmental organizations, and community groups. The county’s urban landscape, extensive tree canopy, and environmental resources provide exceptional opportunities for innovative Extension programming that supports both economic vitality and environmental sustainability.
Multi-County (Polk-Hillsborough) - Bartow, FL - Extension Agent I-IV – Commercial Citrus, Multi-County (540814)
Closing date: Open until filled
-
Details
Location
Bartow, FLOpen Date
August 3, 2026
Deadline
Open until filledYou 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.
State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV – Food Science (Food Safety Focus)(541255)
Closing date: October 4, 2026
-
Details
Location
Lake Alfred, FLOpen Date
September 4, 2026
Deadline
October 4, 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 is a 12-month, permanent status-accruing State Specialized Extension Agent position with statewide responsibilities in Food Science, emphasizing food safety education, regulatory compliance, training, outreach, and industry engagement. The successful candidate will develop and deliver impactful educational programs addressing food safety systems across Florida while collaborating with faculty, industry groups, regulatory agencies, and Extension professionals. This position is located at The Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), in Lake Alfred, Florida.
Statewide Leadership and Program Development
- Lead statewide educational initiatives addressing food safety challenges within agricultural production, food processing, distribution, transportation, and retail sectors.
- Develop a comprehensive plan of work aligned with University of Florida Extension priorities and stakeholder needs.
- Establish and facilitate advisory committees to identify emerging food safety issues and programming opportunities.
- Provide leadership for statewide Food Science program teams and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Develop measurable program objectives, outcomes, and impact assessments using established Extension programming models.
Food Safety Education and Outreach
- Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs related to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, Preventive Controls for Human Food, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs, and Sanitary Transportation requirements.
- Conduct workshops, short courses, certification trainings, conferences, webinars, and online educational programs.
- Create educational resources including fact sheets, curricula, publications, decision-support tools, and digital content.
- Serve as a recognized resource for food safety information and technical guidance.
Applied Research and Knowledge Transfer
- Collaborate with faculty, specialists, Extension professionals, and industry partners on applied research and demonstration projects.
- Facilitate the transfer of research findings into practical recommendations that enhance food safety practices and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in projects evaluating science-based food safety interventions, validation studies, variances, and alternate compliance approaches.
- Translate scientific findings into educational materials suitable for stakeholder audiences.
Partnerships, Grants, and Resource Development
- Develop collaborative relationships with state and federal agencies, commodity groups, food industry organizations, and professional associations.
- Pursue external funding opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
- Serve as project leader for revenue-generating educational initiatives and training programs.
- Promote statewide awareness of program accomplishments through professional presentations, publications, websites, and social media platforms.
Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain current expertise in Food Science, food safety regulations, emerging technologies, and Extension methodologies.
- Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional support to county and regional Extension personnel.
- Maintain accurate reporting, documentation, fiscal stewardship, and risk-management practices consistent with university policies.
About UF
The University of Florida is one of the nation's premier land-grant institutions and is consistently recognized among the top public universities in the United States. Through its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University creates solutions to complex challenges facing Florida, the nation, and the world. Faculty and staff contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and public engagement while helping fulfill the university's mission of transforming lives through education and discovery.
About UF/IFAS Extension
University of Florida Extension is the outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, connecting university research with communities across Florida. Through a statewide network of county Extension offices, research and education centers, faculty, specialists, staff, and volunteers, Extension delivers research-based educational programs that support agriculture, youth development, families, natural resources, community development, and environmental stewardship. Extension professionals serve as trusted sources of information who help residents, industries, and policymakers make informed decisions that improve quality of life and strengthen Florida's economy.
Extension faculty collaborate closely with researchers, local governments, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies to identify emerging issues and develop educational solutions. Through innovative programming, applied research, digital engagement, and community partnerships, Extension professionals help ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into practical applications that benefit Florida's citizens.
Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement programs, paid leave, professional development opportunities, wellness resources, and work-life support services. Additional information regarding employee benefits can be found on the University of Florida Human Resources Benefits website: UF Benefits.
Joining University of Florida Extension provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within a nationally recognized organization dedicated to educational excellence, innovation, and public service. Extension faculty are encouraged to develop leadership skills, build collaborative partnerships, and create measurable impacts that address the needs of Florida's agricultural industries, communities, and residents.
About The Citrus Research and Education Center
Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), located in Lake Alfred in central Florida, serves as a major hub for agricultural research, Extension programming, and industry engagement. Established in 1917, CREC has become internationally recognized for its contributions to citrus production, plant health, agricultural technologies, and food and agricultural systems. The center serves stakeholders throughout Florida while maintaining strong partnerships with industry organizations, governmental agencies, regulatory agencies, and agricultural producers.
Situated in Polk County, one of Florida's leading agricultural counties, the center is strategically located near extensive citrus, specialty crop, food processing, and agricultural production operations. CREC faculty and staff collaborate with Extension professionals throughout Florida, including county Extension offices and multiple Research and Education Centers, to address emerging challenges and opportunities affecting agricultural producers, food industries, and consumers.
The center provides outstanding facilities that support interdisciplinary research, education, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement. Its statewide reach and strong reputation make it an ideal location for a State Specialized Extension Agent focused on advancing food safety education, compliance, workforce development, and applied research initiatives throughout Florida.

