County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Horticulture and Small Farms

Job title: County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Horticulture and Small Farms in Florida at University of Florida
Company: University of Florida
Job description: Classification Title:Cty Ext Dir & Ext Agent II - IV
Classification Minimum Requirements:New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Job Description:You Belong at a University that's Leading the WayThe 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 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 .The OpportunityThe 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 Wakulla County are seeking to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED). The educational responsibilities of this agent encompass strong leadership within the agent's academic specialty to design, implement, and evaluate extension programming to meet the needs of the county's varied population. This position includes 1) residential horticulture, 2) Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training in Wakulla and Franklin counties, 3) small farms. Your role as an Extension Agent will account for 75% of time in your specific program area. All non-4-H Extension faculty members contribute 5% effort to the 4-H Youth Development program. Your role as CED will account for no more than 20% of your time.What you will do as an Extension Agent:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs based on Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) and Florida Friendly Landscape (FFL) principles that promote sustainability and environmentally sound principles for Wakulla County clientele involved in commercial or residential horticultural enterprises.
• Recruit, train, develop, and support a group of Master Gardener volunteers to expand program scope in Wakulla and Franklin Counties.
• Provide leadership and delivery of educational programs related to small farms based on Best Management Practices (BMP) promoting efficiency, sustainability, and environmentally sound principles for Wakulla County clientele.
• Assist in community food initiatives, community supported agriculture, farm to consumer efforts, farmers markets, Agri-tourism opportunities, Farm-City Week, and other marketing efforts to promote agriculture in Wakulla County.
• Build networks to support the growth and sustainability of local agricultural production, Agri-tourism, and relationships between small-cale producers, consumers, and local decision makers in Wakulla County.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the Northwest District Horticulture Program Implementation Team and Natural Resource Program Implementation Team working with peers 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.

What you will do as a County Extension Director:

• Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county faculty members and staff members.
• Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County.
• Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
• Collaborate with Wakulla County government, administration, and staff and UF/IFAS Extension faculty, staff, and administration.
• Collaborate with community leaders, government agencies, stakeholders, and media.
• Develop, lead, and sustain an informed overall UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
• Adhere to all University of Florida and Wakulla County government policies and procedures and provide leadership to faculty and staff for management of all program components.
• Collaborate with the District Extension Director and CEDs to strengthen outcomes and impacts of UF/IFAS Extension across the Northwest District.
• As requested, assume other responsibilities to benefit the total UF/IFAS Extension program and Wakulla County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.

Further information:UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County is in the Florida Panhandle. Wakulla County is a growing coastal county of over 35,000 people and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Public lands include the Apalachicola National Forest, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla State Forest, and Wakulla Springs State Park. Its public schools are “A” rated by the Florida Department of Education. Wakulla County faculty collaborate frequently and share expertise with Franklin County.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.
Expected Salary:Commensurate with Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, agronomy, animal sciences, or plant sciences.
• At least five years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.
• Evidence of exceptional leadership, collaboration, and partnerships with various audiences, community leaders, agencies, media, and the public.
• Ability to possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver's license.
• Flexibility with working hours - ability to travel overnight and, based on clientele availability, occasionally work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and overnight.
• Willingness to reside in Wakulla County or a directly adjacent county.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to

.
Preferred:

• Previous CED experience or equivalent.
• Prior experience in Horticulture and Small Farms-related Extension programs and/or experience as an Extension agent or equivalent.
• Expertise in crafting a collaborative team environment that promotes achieving goals, managing competing priorities, and adapting to unexpected situations.
• Experience in leading and managing office operations, budgeting, and fiscal management.
• Experience working with and managing volunteers and supporting other team members in volunteer management.
• A strong commitment to education and leadership in county-level initiatives.
• Technological literacy necessary for communication, marketing, and program management functions such as using social media, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and other software.
• Outstanding people management skills (coach, mentor, motivator, etc.).
• Leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity navigating in political settings.
• Experience creating a vision, getting buy-in from others, and crafting an environment where others are valued and feel valued.

Special Instructions to Applicants:Application Instructions:Apply at 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

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 32611-0281Fax: (352) 392-3226Selected 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 .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 lawsThe University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 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 .Health Assessment Required: NoAdvertised: 19 May 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 16 Jun 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Expected salary:
Location: Florida
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