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Job Description:

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 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 Opportunity

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, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families and communities.

We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a

rapidly changing world and believe in opportunity for all. Working for Florida Cooperative Extension will allow you to positively impact your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Hernando County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual. If selected, you will plan, develop, conduct, teach, evaluate and report on science-based extension educational programs based on local input from an active advisory group you will maintain. All non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Your office will be located at the County Extension Office in Brooksville.

As the Agent, your major program responsibilities will include agritourism, row crops, ornamental crops, fruits, vegetables, forage, and agronomic innovations. Challenges such as urban encroachment, water resource management, and environmental sustainability underline the critical need for an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent to provide research-based education and technical assistance.

What you will do:

• Use a variety of educational delivery methods to reach target clientele as well as conduct frequent farm visits, field trials, and on-farm demonstrations.
• Develop an advisory committee to assist with program design, identification of client needs and priority issues, analysis of county situations, and development of program budgets.
• Work closely with local producers, advisory committees, and regulatory agencies to implement sustainable agricultural practices and statewide initiatives to conserve water and protect aquifers.
• Introduce technologies to enhance precision agriculture, natural resource management, and cost efficiency.
• Provide excellent customer service for the community through various communication modes including, but not limited to, telephone, email, online, social media, and face-to-face contact.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with community agencies and leaders, businesses, county government, media, and the public, and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
• Seek, secure, and manage grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support the agriculture and natural resources extension program.
• Attend and contribute to professional meetings and in-service trainings, and actively seek out and attend professional development opportunities.
• Follow University of Florida policies and procedures and policies and procedures set by Hernando County government as deemed relevant. UF and Hernando County will provide leadership for management of all program components including program policies, records, communications, and educational materials.
• The successful applicant will work with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on policies and guidelines related to this program area.
• Carry out other assignments and responsibilities in support of the total county extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director and District Extension Director.

Further information:

This is not a remote work position.

UF/IFAS employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. UF/IFAS Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments with a mission to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We employ 375 Extension Agents and have an office in each of Florida’s 67 counties. We attribute our success to a workforce that embraces the contributions of people of all backgrounds and ability levels. The Extension Agent will contribute to a community that provides space for innovation, creativity, collaboration, growth, and development for all.

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

In the event of an emergency, all Hernando County employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties if applicable.

Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might be scheduled at 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date. Are you a good match? Apply today!

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in horticultural science, plant/soil science, agronomy, or a closely related field is required. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by May 2025. A master’s degree and relevant work experience are required to be considered for an agent II appointment.
• If hired with solely a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.
• A strong commitment to education and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance diverse responsibilities. 
• A commitment to customer service and Extension for All guidelines.
• Ability to use computers, web delivery, and apply social media to your work. 
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a pesticide license within 6 months of hire.
• You must be able to obtain (before employment) and maintain a valid 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in fields listed for the bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with computer technology, social media and program management.
• Applicants should be able to design, teach, and conduct community-based educational programs.
• Extension experience or equivalent.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

ifas-hr@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 Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised:10 Dec 2024  Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:09 Jan 2025 Eastern Standard Time