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, 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 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.    

Diverse views and experience make us strong. We look for people with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. Working for Florida Cooperative Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.

As an Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and DeSoto County government. As an extension educator, you will design, implement, and evaluate livestock and small farms educational programs to assist producers and clientele. You will devote 5% of your time contributing to our 4-H Youth Development program. Your target audiences will include landowners, livestock producers, allied industry representatives, national, state, and local agencies, DeSoto County citizens, and youth and adults, among others. Your comprehensive livestock and small farms education program will be guided by an advisory committee that represents the needs of the county’s population.

What you will do as the Livestock and Small Farms Extension Agent:

• Develop, conduct, coordinate, evaluate, and report on educational programs for agricultural industry personnel including small farm owners and livestock producers.  
• Conduct farm visits and diagnostics to improve farm and land management practices, sustainability, and farm agricultural profitability.
• Assist livestock producers, landowners, and other clientele in securing appropriate expertise from University of Florida Extension specialists. 
• Work as part of a team with local producers, organizations, agencies, and UF/IFAS colleagues to promote agriculture.
• Work with DeSoto County 4-H and other youth interested in agriculture-related projects including livestock production.
• Establish and maintain an effective advisory committee to assist with program development and implementation.
• Target programs to reflect the area’s population and unique educational needs using a variety of program delivery methods.
• Develop community partnerships.
• 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 agricultural expertise.
• Market the Extension program through multi-media platforms.
• Establish and maintain an effective reporting system for accountability.
• Produce creative works and publications relevant to target audiences.
• Actively participate in professional societies (committees, leadership roles) and professional development activities to stay abreast of agricultural industry and community needs.
• Serve as DeSoto County Emergency Support Function (ESF) 17 Coordinator.
• Write an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on a national background screening.

About the County

DeSoto County is a small, rural community. This interior Florida county consists of approximately 639 square miles, providing many activities for nature enthusiasts, such as boating, canoeing, swimming, and golf. Agriculture and related industries are the primary employer for this close-knit community of approximately 36,000 residents. The city of Arcadia is the county seat. The county has easy access to the coastal communities of Bradenton/Sarasota and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers.

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. Apply to become a part of our growing team!

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. If hired solely with 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 six years of employment.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish solid partnerships and to find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
• A commitment to customer service.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .
• Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

• A master’s in animal science, or closely related field.
• Experience creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for an array of audiences.
• A strong commitment to community.
• Practical experience in extension education, particularly in southwest Florida livestock production.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal livestock regulations, including, but not limited to, movement and animal identification.
• Working knowledge of pasture and rangeland plant diagnostics, best management practices and integrated pest management of Florida livestock operations.
• Evidence of exceptional collaborations, partnerships, and marketing with community agencies and groups.
• Experience working in multicultural settings; bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Technological literacy is necessary for communication and program management.

Expertise in working together for a higher goal; managing competing priorities; practicing resilience; and the adaptability to handle unexpected situations is a plus for this role. We actively seek applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, and professional service.

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, 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.