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 .
Exciting Opportunity: Agriculture-Livestock Extension Agent position opening!
Are you an individual with a passion for sustainability, innovation, and making a difference? Are you seeking to work in a coastal and rural county where the main industries are agriculture and small farming enterprises? Do you see yourself thriving in a dynamic work environment while contributing to the well-being of Florida's people, environment, and economy? If so, this role is tailored to your aspirations. Join us as an Agriculture-Livestock Extension Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Levy County!
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. 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 foster healthy people, a healthy environment, healthy communities, 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 are looking for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. As an Extension Agent you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Levy County as it is supported by UF (60%) and Levy County (40%). This office consists of two other agents (with responsibilities in row crops and 4-H youth development) and 6 staff members. As the Agriculture-Livestock Extension Agent, you will lead by designing, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on extension education programs covering Levy county’s diverse livestock industry (about 60% of your time). You will also dedicate 20% of your time to youth education, including preparing youth to show animals at agricultural fairs, offering summer camps or other activities related to your area of expertise in support of the existing 4-H Youth Development program. In the remaining 20% of your time, you will provide direction and support to the environmental horticulture and the Nature Coast Master Gardener program with the help of a dedicated program assistant. You will demonstrate excellent customer service and you will respond to client needs in a timely and professional manner. Your office will be located at the Levy County Extension Office in Bronson, FL at 625 N. Hathaway Ave, Bronson, FL. This position may include occasional overnight travel, the use of personal transportation, and/or personal cell phone.
Why This Role Is Perfect for You:
Contemporary Values: This role aligns with today’s values of innovation, collaboration and a strong commitment to the community. We're searching for candidates who can be catalysts for change and inspire others through their work.
Championing Sustainability: Join us in promoting sustainability, environmental stewardship, and our vision for a thriving Florida. Your work directly contributes to these crucial goals.
Tech-Savvy and Digital-First: As you're already tech-savvy, this role will let you leverage technology and social media to communicate, educate, and drive positive change.
Empower Youth: If you're passionate about empowering the next generation, this role offers a unique opportunity to educate and mentor youth through the existing 4-H Youth Development program.
IFAS Extension Access to All: At UF/IFAS Extension, we support Florida’s entire population, and we ensure that our programs are accessible to all.
What You'll Be Doing:
Create engaging content such as presentations, posters, websites, and social media accounts, making knowledge accessible to all.
Actively participate in professional societies related to your expertise to learn, share your work, and get peer recognition at the state and national levels – and even international.
Collaborate effectively as a team member with colleagues in your county, district, and state.
Uphold UF/IFAS Extension policies, program development, and accurate reporting.
Assume additional responsibilities that enhance the county extension program, as directed by the District Extension Director and County Extension Director.
Further information:
We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by the first day of employment.
Establishing residency in Levy County is preferred as we expect you to become a part of community life.
You must pass appropriate UF and Levy County drug and background checks.
Levy County is a coastal and rural county of approximately 40,000 with 5,500 school-age youth. A considerable proportion of students qualify for free or reduced lunches.
In this position, you will become the local face of Extension which 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 like you, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties. Agents like you are agents of change to make your community and its members better.
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? Do you want to make a difference? Apply today!
EXPECTED SALARY:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
What you will bring (required):
A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, agronomy, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree (Agent I), you will be able to participate in the Employee Education Program while working and you will be encouraged to complete your degree within the first 6 years of employment. Minimum expected progress is earning 50% of credits towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. To be hired at the Agent II-IV ranks, candidates must hold an MS degree and rank will be determined according to UF rank requirements.
Strong listening, written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience with digital communication.
A commitment to customer service.
A commitment to serving all Floridians according to UF/IFAS Extension guidelines.
Willingness to develop and adjust your career goals with your colleagues, mentor, and supervisors.
Ability to possess (or be able to obtain before hiring day) a Florida driver’s license.
Flexibility with working hours; ability to work remotely for up to 2 days each week; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
Hands-on experience with pasture management, hay production, and livestock management.
Proven skills in partnership development, project management, and getting various groups to collaborate effectively.
Experience working in multi-cultural settings.
Marketing, teaching, and program evaluation experience.
A background in working with and managing volunteers.
Expertise in utilizing a range of educational methods, including technology-enhanced and technology-based instruction.
Experience in securing extramural funding.
Excellent organizational skills and record-keeping techniques.
Proficiency in Spanish.
This role offers a platform for candidates who are eager to make a real impact on agriculture, youth development and environmental horticulture in a rapidly evolving world. If you're enthusiastic, tech-savvy, and dedicated to building a brighter future, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our team. Together, we'll drive innovation and change in Levy County's livestock industries.
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).
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
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 variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:Yes
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The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
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