Extension Agent I – III – Sustainable Agriculture and Small Farms

Classification Title:

Ext Agent I – III

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. County Extension faculty provide high quality, relevant, research-based expertise and education to foster healthy people, healthy environments, and healthy economies. 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 Walton County are seeking an Extension Agent to design, implement, and evaluate extension programming to meet the needs of the county’s varied population. This position includes programming in 1) sustaining and improving agricultural profitability and 2) improving farm and land management practices. In addition, all non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program.

What you will do:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs supporting landowners, growers, and producers in Walton County.
• Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Best Management Practices (BMP) promoting efficiency, sustainability, and environmentally sound principles for Walton County clientele.
• Conduct needs-based assessments to assist you in developing programmatic priorities. This includes building an advisory committee 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.
• Collaborate with peers in Northwest District Program Implementation Teams to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs to meet 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.). 
• 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:

Walton County is a diverse Florida panhandle county extending from the Alabama state line to the Gulf of Mexico. Its diversity is markedly evident in its rapidly changing landscape and population – widely referred to as North Walton and South Walton. North Walton includes forests, farmlands, pasturelands, Defuniak Springs (the county seat), several small communities and over 75% of the land mass. South Walton is known for its 26 miles of beach, a bustling tourist population, and beachfront communities. UF/IFAS Extension Walton County’s main office is located in Defuniak Springs with a satellite office in Santa Rosa Beach.

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 in order 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.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, animal sciences, or plant sciences. If hired as Extension Agent II or above, a Master’s degree is required.
• 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.
• 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 and willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel. 
• A commitment to UF core values. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. We expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. UF’s Employee Education Program offers financial assistance for employees required to obtain advanced degrees.
• 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. 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. Applicants are responsible for sending the rating form link to their references.

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

[email protected]

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: No

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