Ext Agent I - II

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.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Duval County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing, 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent position. The Duval County 4-H program has two Agents and two Program Assistants. If selected to become part of this team, you will work with your teammates to plan, develop, implement, evaluate, and report on comprehensive and diverse educational programs in 4-H Youth Development. You will work with local citizens, county/state extension colleagues, agencies, and organizations that are concerned with the needs and well-being of area youth. You will be expected to embrace the “multi-agent/one program” concept of 4-H programming found in Duval County. You will target programs to reflect the county’s population diversity and unique educational needs and your individual academic expertise.

You will provide leadership for management of all components in your program area including program policies, enrollments and records, risk management, communications, and educational materials. You will establish and maintain an effective system for accountability and public information to all relevant individuals, groups, organizations, and agencies.

You will develop, sustain, and monitor the effectiveness of a volunteer system to staff the 4-H program including recruitment, development, and evaluations/recognition in support of the development and operation of the Duval County 4-H program. You will be expected to develop an area of expertise to share across county lines. You will also develop creative works (e.g., presentations, posters, website development, and videos), write non-technical, people-friendly publications, and participate in professional associations.

You will provide leadership for managing private financial resources to support 4-H programming and ensure all financial policies are followed as instructed by Univ. of Florida/IFAS Extension guidelines. You will follow all county, Univ. of Florida, and Cooperative Extension Service policies regarding program development and reporting parity. You will ensure that all Florida 4-H youth protection policies are adhered to by screening and training all 4-H volunteers as instructed by Florida 4-H guidelines. You will establish a local advisory committee and will maintain an effective county 4-H Association.

In this position, you must demonstrate the ability to 1) work with community agencies and groups in collaborations and partnerships; 2) work with and enhance strong local advisory committees and develop good media relations; 3) design, implement, and evaluate community- based educational programs based on needs assessment with input from county 4-H Association and community members; 4) manage volunteer systems and apply experiential education and community development methods; 5) work cooperatively with youth and adults as a leader and team member; 6) work independently with minimal supervision, and 7) seek outside funding.

You will carry out other assignments and responsibilities as needed to support the total county extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director or District Extension Director.

Further information:

Duval County is a diverse community of over 950,000 people, surrounded by the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River, lush woodlands, sand hills, and beaches. We have the largest park system in the nation, with over 400 park and recreational sites. 

The Duval County Extension Office is both a division of the City of Jacksonville Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). We have a robust staff of extension agents and assistants, serving throughout our community. Apply to become a part of our growing team!

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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in youth development, education, community development/sociology, non-profit leadership, agriculture education, or a related field. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree (Agent I), you will be able to participate in the Employee Education Program while working and you will be encouraged to complete your degree within the first 6 years of employment. Minimum expected progress is earning 50% of credits towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. To be hired at the Agent II rank, candidates must hold an MS degree. Rank (I or II) will be determined according to UF rank requirements.

Extension Agents are UF/IFAS faculty members; implicit in this position is the need to work outside of normal business hours. Therefore, you must be flexible with your time and must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Overnights with volunteers and youth and professional development travel is required. You must be able to hold a Florida Driver’s license and must be willing to travel using personal transportation. Employment is contingent upon the results of drug and national background screenings. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

A master’s degree in one of the above fields; previous 4-H or other youth development experience; experience managing volunteers; good verbal, written, and listening communication skills; resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm and innovativeness; good organizational development and management skills; and knowledge and experience with computer technology and social media.

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, gender identity and expression, 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.