Program Leadership and Management: The incumbent’s primary responsibility will be the oversight, design, and implementation of all aspects of UF’s “Fishing for Success” youth education program. This includes planning, developing, and refining curriculum, content, and teaching techniques to enhance program effectiveness and relevance. The incumbent will review, evaluate, and adjust current protocols and practices to align with UF/IFAS Extension goals and community needs. Duties include: Planning, marketing, scheduling, and conducting 100-120 on-site (UF Millhopper facility) and off-site (statewide) educational programs, plus 9 weekend “Family Fishing Days. Teaching the program curriculum to youth and families, integrating biological concepts related to freshwater fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. Identifying needed initiatives and creating new outreach and education opportunities. Developing and implementing program evaluations, compiling and analyzing results to assess impact and guide improvement. Fostering partnerships with community organizations, advisory groups, and other stakeholders to enhance program reach and effectiveness. Compiling and writing reports summarizing program activities, outcomes, and recommendations.
Research Support: Assist faculty and students with research related to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, and water quality. Responsibilities include: Conducting literature searches, assisting with study design, and supporting field and laboratory work. Performing data analysis, report preparation, and presentation of findings. Operating boats, electrofishing gear, nets, and water sampling equipment in field settings.
Extension and Outreach Support: Provide technical assistance and educational support to UF/IFAS Extension faculty and the public on fish, invertebrates, aquatic plans, and water quality. Assist Extension Specialists in planning, organizing, and delivering workshops, community training, and in-service programs for county faculty. Identify opportunities for collaboration with other Extension programs, agencies, and community partners. Develop educational materials to support statewide aquatic education initiatives
Teaching Support: Assist in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences. Duties include: teaching field and laboratory techniques for sampling and identification of aquatic organisms and water chemistry. Mentoring students in the design, implementation, and presentation of course projects.
Facility and Equipment Maintenance: Assist with the care and maintenance of Millhopper ponds, fish tanks, and live aquatic invertebrate collections. Duties also include: Maintaining and repairing equipment. Coordinating purchasing, record-keeping, and vehicle logs. Assisting with safety inspections and compliance for labs and field operations.