Cty Ext Dir & Ext Agent II - IV

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

This position is open to current permanent UF faculty only.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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.

You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way

We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make us strong. We seek candidates with both academic and interpersonal skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and believe in opportunities for all. 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 excellent benefits.

The Opportunity

As the Extension Agent and County Extension Director (CED) (minimum 40% of your time), you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Lake County. We are seeking an individual who is self-motivated, energetic, and a team-oriented leader. Your extension programming will cover 4-H Youth Development.

As the CED, you will lead, manage, supervise, coordinate, and report on the total Lake County Extension program (six County Extension Faculty, including yourself, and seven staff members). You will consistently demonstrate excellent customer service and respond to client needs in a timely and professional manner. Your office will be located at the Lake County Extension Office in Tavares.

What you will do:

County Extension Director Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders, including county government, community leaders, private sector clients, media, and UF/IFAS faculty and staff.
• Facilitate and oversee the professional development of faculty and staff within the Lake County Extension Office.
• Manage the business side of the Extension Office, including financial and compliance issues.
• Organize and conduct regular faculty development workshops, training sessions, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of Extension personnel.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, innovation, and learning within the office.
• Be available to serve as needed (call centers, shelters, animal services shelters, etc.) during emergencies in support of the Lake County Emergency Operations Center.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to promote Extension's success.
• Support staff in setting short-term and long-term goals for their roles and professional development.
• Encourage open communication and feedback during check-in meetings to address concerns and make necessary adjustments.
• Maintain an advisory committee with appropriate community representation and advocating for Extension in the community.
• Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to enhance existing educational programs and create new ones to meet the needs of community members.
• Assess program responsibilities locally based on community needs.
• Utilize computer technology and social media for communication, teaching, and program management.
• Secure financial resources to support Extension programs and the Lake County office.
• Adhere to University of Florida and Lake County government policies and procedures.
• Develop an annual plan of work and a report of accomplishment.
• Collaborate with UF/IFAS Extension administration to ensure compliance with annual review procedures and reporting.

4-H Agent Responsibilities

• Identify and address youth development needs by designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for youth ages 5-18.
• Deliver positive youth development programs through a variety of delivery modes, including, but not limited to, clubs, in- and after-school programs, camps, and community-based programs.
•  Recruit, train, and support an effective volunteer base to enhance program capacity and reach.
• Develop a comprehensive volunteer management strategy to ensure program policies, enrollment, record keeping, risk management, and experiential learning procedures are updated and effective.
• Collaborate with all Extension program areas (Horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture) and volunteers on educational efforts that will facilitate positive management practices with significant and locally relevant impact.
• Manage program components, including program policies, enrollments, records, risk management, communication, and educational materials.
• Develop an advisory committee to assist with program design, identification of client needs and priority issues, analysis of county situations, and development of program budgets.
• Provide leadership for the Lake County 4-H Association.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the District Extension Director.

Further information:

Faculty in the Lake County Extension Office with relevant qualifications are eligible to apply.

This is not a remote work position.

Employment is contingent on the results of national background screening.

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 supervising the office and contribute to its 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 the efforts of 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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

This position is open to current permanent UF faculty only.

• A master's degree in youth development, education, agriculture education and communication, community development, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least eight years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
• Achievement or eligibility of appointment at Extension Agent Rank II or higher and successful experience in the academic promotion process.
• Strong leadership abilities coupled with adept problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to customer service.
• Experience in developing and delivering educational programs for youth.
• Experience in managing and supporting volunteers.
• Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours, including occasional long and irregular hours, evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• A commitment to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension values: Integrity, Excellence, Responsiveness, Lifelong Learning, and Access.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

• Previous experience as a County Extension Director (CED) or equivalent.
• Proficiency in managing office operations, budgeting, and overseeing grant management.
• A steadfast dedication to advancing education and providing leadership in county-level initiatives.
• Hands-on experience in Extension education and effective collaboration with different groups.
• Technological literacy for communication and program management.
• Exceptional people management talent encompassing coaching, mentoring, motivation, and more.
• Familiarity with navigating political landscapes.
• Experience creating a vision that increases access and decreases barriers and garnering support from others.
• Evidence of exceptional collaborations, partnerships, and marketing with varied audiences, community leaders, agencies, media, and the general public.

Apply at  Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.