Extension Agent I - III - Commercial and Environmental Horticulture

Ext Agent I - III

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, diversity, 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 .

Job Description:

The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments that provides quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. 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 Bay County are seeking an Extension Agent to lead Commercial and Environmental Horticulture education through the design, implementation, and evaluation of extension programming that meets the needs of the county’s diverse population. This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Northwest Extension District and Bay County as you help shape future generations. As such, you will collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county Extension program.

What you will do:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Green Industry Best Management Practices (GIBMP) and Florida Friendly Landscape (FFL) principles that promote sustainability and environmentally sound principles for Bay County clientele involved in commercial horticultural enterprises.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Green Industry Best Management Practices and Florida Friendly Landscape principles promoting sustainability and environmentally sound principles for Bay County residential clientele.
• Recruit, train, develop, and support a group of Master Gardener volunteers to expand program scope.
• Collaborate with the Northwest District Horticulture Program Implementation Team (PIT) working with peers to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs to meet residential and commercial horticulture 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.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a national background check and drug screening.

The position is based in Bay County located on the Gulf of Mexico - home to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches in the heart of the Florida Panhandle. Bay County’s population is over 180,000 with a growth rate double the national rate. Major pillars of its economy include tourism, military, and education. Bay County is home to Tyndall Airforce Base and Naval Support Activity Panama City, Florida State University/Panama City Campus, and Gulf Coast State College.

Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, all partners are involved in the supervision of the office and contribute to the salary and support resources. The primary goal of Extension is to disseminate the latest knowledge and applicable technologies in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through Extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties.

Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not be scheduled until 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date. Are you a good match? Apply today!

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field.
• 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 of UF/IFAS Extension.
• 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.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.

• A master’s degree in an agriculture field.
• Cooperative Extension experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to establish solid partnerships and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, motivate people, and work in teams.
• Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework or training on multicultural topics are desirable.
• Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that describes how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for this position
• Résumé or Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copies of all transcripts (showing coursework) of your academic degrees

The following documents are also required and may either be submitted through the above link at the time of application, or sent separately to our office (below).

• Current and Previous Employment Form
• A minimum of 3 reference rating forms from your professional/academic references. Applicants are responsible for sending the rating form link to their references.
• Reference forms will be kept on file for 1 year and will be automatically used with any of our extension agent positions you apply for during that time.

Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of application should be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position’s closing date. They may be submitted to:

UF IFAS Human Resources
Faculty Recruitment and Hiring
P O Box 110281
Gainesville, FL 32611-0281

ifasrecruitment@ifas.ufl.edu

Fax: (352) 392-3226

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.