County Extension Faculty Positions 

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

Northwest District

Escambia County - Cantonment, FL - Extension Agent I - III - 4-H Youth Development (530846)

Closing date: April 19, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Cantonment, FL

  Open Date

  March 22, 2024

  Deadline

  April 19, 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 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 Opportunity

  This Extension Agent position is a full-time, permanent status accruing faculty member of the University of Florida working jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Escambia County. 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. The 4-H Agent and a team of volunteers and staff makes a positive impact on the growth and development of youth in Escambia County and shapes future generations of leaders. This 4-H Agent provides overall leadership in Escambia County for the 4-H project areas of animal sciences and agricultural sciences and the 4-H volunteers who support those projects.

  What You’ll Do

  • Recruit adult volunteers to lead community and/or project based 4-H Clubs.
  • Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs to support 4-H volunteer identification, selection, orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation (ISOTURE: A Model for Effective Volunteer Management) using the Volunteer Resources Knowledge and Competencies (VRKC) taxonomy.
  • Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs to provide the appropriate developmental context for 4-H positive youth development (4-H Thrive Model).
  • Ensure and monitor volunteer compliance with Florida 4-H youth protection policies.
  • Build an advisory committee representative of your target clientele to assist you in identifying resources (human, fiscal, material) and programmatic priorities to reach target clientele.
  • Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage its components: Escambia County 4-H Foundation, policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability.
  • Collaborate with the Northwest Extension District 4-H Program Implementation Team (PIT) members by working with your peers to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs across the district or in multi-county settings.
  • Possess or develop an area of expertise to share across the Northwest Extension District.
  • Develop and maintain a social media and web presence including virtual program delivery and social media educational content.
  • Serve as an educational first responder for county and university functions during natural disasters.

  What you will bring (required)

  • Bachelor’s degree in youth development, agricultural education, education, animal science, environmental science, community development, sociology, or a related field.
  • Self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented mindset.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
  • 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.
  • Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.
  • Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

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Northeast District

Central District

Southwest District

Hillsborough County - Seffner, FL -  Extension Agent I - III – Urban Forestry (530957)

Closing date: April 22, 2024 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Seffner, FL

  Open Date

  April 1, 2024

  Deadline

  April 22, 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 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 Opportunity

  This full-time permanent status accruing Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Hillsborough County. The candidate will conduct a comprehensive Urban Forestry education program and outreach for the county’s population. Also, at least 5% of the candidate’s time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development, emphasizing forestry and natural resources.

  The candidate will provide teaching for and management of Hillsborough County urban forestry extension programs.

  The candidate will be able to:

  • Serve as a subject matter expert on arboriculture/tree care.
  • Develop and provide education resources on strategies for urban forest and natural resources management in a growing urbanizing environment.
  • Provide assistance to municipal and county governments to develop strategies and build the capacity to support the efficient and effective management of the urban forest and natural resources.
  • Provide leadership, professional training, and guidance to arborists, landscapers, homeowners and natural resources managers.
  • Build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist with program priorities, content, and design.
  • Offer traditional in-person programs and site visit consultations.
  • Develop program delivery strategies that include the use of deliberately focused virtual platforms such as webinars, videos, and social media.
  • Work with agencies and organizations to assist or lead cooperative and interdisciplinary projects, both in the county and through multi-county efforts.
  • Establish a working relationship with UF faculty and specialists to plan and develop extension education programs and cooperate on research projects.
  • Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
  • Cooperate in interdisciplinary projects and collaborations.
  • Produce creative works and audience-friendly publications. Examples may include articles, factsheets, technical reports, and research publications.

  What you will bring (required):

  • A Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or closely related field.
  • Experience in urban forestry.
  • 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.
  • A commitment to UF core values.

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

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

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  Palmetto, FL

  Open Date

  March 27, 2024

  Deadline

  April 18, 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. 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: April 22, 2023 at 11:55 PM Eastern Time

Apply at Careers at UF

• Details

  Location

  negotiable, FL

  Open Date

  November 1, 2023

  Deadline

  April 22, 2023 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):

  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