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!
Current opportunity available in Jackson County!
Jackson County - Extension Agent I-II – 4-H Youth Development (538873)
Closing date: September 16, 2026
-
Details
Location
Marianna, FLOpen Date
August 25, 2026
Deadline
September 16, 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 position serves as the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent for Jackson County.
The successful candidate will design and deliver a dynamic, research-based, countywide 4-H Youth Development program aligned with Florida 4-H priorities, including:
- Positive youth development
- Volunteer systems
- Workforce readiness
- Strategic program growth
Programming emphasis will be shaped by both community needs and individual expertise, allowing the agent to leverage personal strengths while meeting local priorities.
Core focus areas may include:
- Agriculture
- Healthy Living
- Leadership
- STEM
The successful candidate will provide leadership for a comprehensive countywide 4-H program serving youth audiences through clubs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, camps, special interest programs, and other educational delivery methods. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers; developing partnerships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders; evaluating program outcomes; expanding participation and program reach; contributing to multi-county and statewide initiatives; and documenting program impact consistent with UF/IFAS Extension faculty expectations.
Program Development, Delivery, and Evaluation
- Design and deliver a comprehensive countywide 4-H Youth Development program aligned with Florida 4-H priorities, local needs, and UF/IFAS Extension goals.
- Deliver educational programs through a variety of methods, including 4-H clubs, school enrichment, afterschool programs, camps, special interest programs, and countywide events.
- Develop educational opportunities in agriculture, healthy living, leadership, STEM, workforce readiness, and other priority areas.
- Utilize approved evaluation tools, reporting systems, and program accountability measures to document participation, assess outcomes, and demonstrate program impact.
- Maintain program records and complete required reporting in accordance with county, state, and UF/IFAS Extension expectations.
- Ensure programming is research-based, measurable, and aligned with UF/IFAS Extension policies, procedures, and statewide priorities.
Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Oversight
- Recruit, screen, train, and support volunteers who extend the reach and impact of the county 4-H Youth Development program.
- Ensure compliance with Florida 4-H volunteer screening procedures, youth protection standards, risk management policies, and other applicable UF/IFAS requirements.
- Provide orientation, training, resources, and ongoing support to volunteers serving in clubs, camps, school enrichment programs, advisory groups, and other 4-H delivery methods.
- Develop volunteer leadership capacity by identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement, recognition, and professional growth.
- Maintain volunteer records and documentation in accordance with Florida 4-H and UF/IFAS policies and procedures.
- Foster positive relationships that support volunteer engagement and program success.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and sustain partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local government agencies, youth-serving organizations, and private-sector partners to support educational programming and expand opportunities for youth.
- Engage advisory committees, stakeholders, and community leaders to identify needs, guide program planning, and strengthen program relevance and impact.
- Promote awareness of 4-H opportunities through outreach, relationship-building, and participation in community events and collaborative initiatives.
- Develop partnerships that support Florida 4-H priority program areas.
- Expand participation and increase program reach through youth recruitment, volunteer development, and community partnerships.
- Represent UF/IFAS Extension and Florida 4-H in a professional manner that strengthens community trust and support for Extension programming.
- Develop and implement communication strategies that promote 4-H opportunities and increase program visibility.
Program Administration and Countywide Responsibilities
- Maintain program records, enrollment information, financial documentation, and reporting requirements in accordance with county, state, and UF/IFAS policies and procedures.
- Coordinate countywide 4-H events, activities, recognition programs, camps, competitions, and other educational opportunities.
- Implement risk management, youth protection, and program accountability procedures to ensure safe and effective program delivery.
- Support the operation of county 4-H advisory committees and other stakeholder groups that contribute to program planning and evaluation.
- Manage program resources, equipment, and facilities in support of educational programming and organizational goals.
- Collaborate with Extension faculty and staff across program areas to develop and deliver multidisciplinary educational initiatives that address local needs.
- Participate in county, district, and state meetings, trainings, and activities that support UF/IFAS Extension and Florida 4-H priorities.
- Contribute to multi-county and statewide 4-H initiatives and align efforts with Florida 4-H priority working groups.
- Seek and secure external resources through grants, sponsorships, donations, and partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.
Scholarship, Service, and Academic Contribution
- Demonstrate scholarship consistent with UF/IFAS Extension faculty expectations.
- Participate in professional associations, committees, task forces, and service activities that support UF/IFAS Extension, Florida 4-H, and the broader youth development profession.
- Engage in professional development opportunities to strengthen subject matter expertise, educational methods, leadership skills, and program effectiveness.
- Contribute to county, district, state, and national Extension initiatives that advance the mission of UF/IFAS Extension and Florida 4-H.
- Maintain progress toward promotion and permanent status by documenting accomplishments in Extension, scholarship, and service.
Other Extension Agent Opportunities
Orange County - Extension Agent I-III – Commercial Horticulture (540922)
Closing date: September 2, 2026
-
Details
Location
Orlando, FLOpen Date
August 11, 2026
Deadline
September 2, 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, full-time, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent position jointly funded by UF IFAS Extension and Orange County. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive Commercial Horticulture program serving green industry professionals and supporting workforce needs throughout the county.
Program Development and Delivery
- Design, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs focused on Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fertilizer application, diagnostic services, and regulatory compliance
- Conduct pesticide applicator training, certification programs, and continuing education opportunities for commercial clientele
- Provide diagnostic support related to plant health, pest identification, disease management, and nutrient deficiencies
- Deliver technical workshops, demonstrations, and applied training programs for landscape professionals, nursery operators, and pest management personnel
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Establish and maintain an advisory committee to assess industry needs and guide program priorities
- Collaborate with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and local governments to support compliance and workforce development initiatives
- Partner with Extension specialists and faculty to strengthen program quality and reach
Program Management and Evaluation
- Develop and implement annual plans of work and report measurable program impacts
- Maintain accurate records, manage program resources, and ensure accountability
- Seek extramural funding and manage grants supporting Commercial Horticulture initiatives
- Develop educational materials including fact sheets, presentations, and industry communications
4‑H Youth Development (Minimum 5% Appointment)
- Develop and deliver horticulture-related educational programming supporting the 4‑H Youth Development program
- Integrate plant science and green industry career awareness into youth activities through demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on learning
- Collaborate with the 4‑H agent to incorporate Commercial Horticulture topics into youth programming and events
- Provide technical expertise for youth horticulture projects, contests, and skill-building activities
- Promote awareness of career opportunities in landscaping, nursery production, and pest management industries
Extension Service Expectations
- Respond to clientele inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Participate in professional development and industry engagement
- Contribute to overall county Extension programming as assigned
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.