Ext Agent I - III

Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and/or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and accomplishments.

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is 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 is Leading the Way:

We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida 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.

The Opportunity:

Join UF/IFAS Extension in Santa Rosa County—where agriculture meets innovation. We’re looking for a driven professional to lead sustainable farming and natural resource programs that directly serve producers, landowners, and the broader community. If you thrive on creating practical solutions, building trusted relationships, and making a lasting difference in the field—you’ll find your purpose here.

What you will do:

• Design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs related to sustainable agriculture production, and natural resources conservation in Escambia County, by teaching about Best Management Practices (BMPs), production, harvesting, and sustainability issues and solutions. 
• Conduct on-site consultations and provide timely diagnostics to assist producers with crop health, soil management, pest identification, and other production challenges using research-based recommendations.
• Build an advisory committee composed of Escambia County citizens and agricultural professionals to assist you in identifying and prioritizing educational programs to reach target clientele. 
• Assist Escambia County and the Northwest District (NWD) as an “educational first responder” for county and university functions during natural disasters.
• Collaborate with the NWD Panhandle Agriculture Program Implementation Team (PIT) of peers to plan, teach, and evaluate virtual and face-to-face educational programs. 
• Serve on a statewide team of Extension faculty to enhance the use of Autonomous Agricultural Production, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Collaborate with agronomic Extension specialists to provide support and engage in applied research for commodity crop variety trials across the Northwest Extension
• Obtain external financial resources to support your programs.
• Manage all program components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
• Cooperate in interdisciplinary projects.
• Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.)
• Write non-technical publications that are sufficient to the topic and relevant to the target audiences.
• Participate in professional societies related to your academic discipline.
• Collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county and district Extension program.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of national background check and drug screening.

Escambia County (population 300,000+) has a fast-growing coastal urban community and an adjacent developing rural community. In 2017, there were 649 farms comprising 58,834 acres and 96,000 acres of forest. The extension office is in Cantonment, a northern suburb of Pensacola (the county seat of Escambia County), which is at the western end of the Florida panhandle.

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.

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. Are you a good match? Apply today!

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agriculture, or related field.  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 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.
• Strong oral and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance a variety of responsibilities.
• A commitment to customer service.
• 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; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel. 
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .  

• A master’s degree in agronomy, agriculture, or a related field is required to be considered for Extension Agent III and higher levels.  At least 50% of your master’s degree must be completed for Extension Agent II level.
• Cooperative Extension experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to establish solid partnerships and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, motivate people, and work in teams.
• Experience working in a variety of settings and coursework or training on a variety of topics are desirable.
• Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.
• Experience in Autonomous Agriculture practices and equipment
• FAA Remote Pilot’s License (Part 107)

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.