Ext Agent I - III

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 University of Florida (UF) 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 UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. IFAS Extension employs 375 Extension Agents and has an office in each of Florida’s 67 counties.

Our mission in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service is to partner with communities to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to improve health, environment, and the economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Pinellas County seek an Extension Agent to lead the countywide 4-H youth development program. You must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with culturally and socioeconomically varied audiences. You must build and maintain effective working relationships with 4-H adult volunteers, the Pinellas County 4-H Association (advisory committee), community-based and grassroots organizations, and peers in the UF/IFAS Extension organization. You will also provide strong leadership in the development of the adult volunteer system and youth-focused life skills educational content that is engaging and relevant to the audience. You will be part of a team that works together in support of initiatives designed to promote and support agriculture, as well as create awareness of the industry’s economic impact on the local economy. You will also supervise and collaborate with the 4-H program assistant and execute youth programming in partnership with the County Extension Director.

As a UF faculty member, you will also: work with agencies and organizations to assist or lead cooperative and interdisciplinary projects, both in the county and through multi-county efforts; provide service to schools outside of 4-H programming; develop creative works in support of programming, including presentations, professional posters, and web-based education; write scholarly publications related to the field of expertise; and participate in professional associations and service activities for UF and IFAS. You will document efforts through an annual plan of work (POW) and report of accomplishment (ROA). You will be expected to attain permanent status and promotion per UF/IFAS guidelines.

What you will do:

• Plan, develop, teach, evaluate, and report on 4-H Positive Youth Development programs that meet the needs of the county’s varied population in coordination with the Pinellas County 4-H Association and in alignment with the strategic direction of the Florida 4-H Youth Development program. Use a needs assessment to target programs focused on youth, reflecting the county’s varied population and the unique educational needs of Pinellas County, a fully urbanized county.
• Deliver youth development programming through a variety of delivery modes including but not limited to 4-H community clubs, special interest clubs, school enrichment, after school programs, internal and external partnerships and other events and activities, emphasizing workforce development.
• Coordinate youth and volunteer involvement in multi-county, state, regional, and national 4-H program and events.
• Build and lead a strong volunteer base through recruitment, screening, training, and managing adult volunteers, including competency building using state and national 4-H research-based methods.
• Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and up to date and oversee all aspects of the 4-H program risk management as directed by Florida 4-H Headquarters and local county policies.
• Teach and equip volunteers in educational methods to guide and support 4-H member educational projects in a variety of content areas.
• Assess and identify opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and leadership roles; then recruit, train, and use volunteers in those roles.
• Develop program delivery strategies that include the use of deliberately focused virtual platforms. Employ up to 25% virtual programming as appropriate within county technology resources and stakeholder needs.
• Co-manage a 5-acre youth development center and community garden with other Extension Agents and support staff.
• Collaborate and develop strategic partnerships with county and municipal departments, local businesses, and social service agencies to provide diverse and innovative educational opportunities for positive youth development.
• Seek and manage financial resources to support 4-H programming and ensure all financial policies are followed as instructed by UF/IFAS Extension guidelines.
• Follow all UF/IFAS Extension policies and best practices regarding program development, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Develop and implement a communication plan for 4-H program participants, families, volunteers, and stakeholders using effective and contemporary approaches, including current social media.
• Write content for various media sources (e.g., newspapers, radio, newsletters, web, social media) to promote programs, report on programs, and educate the public.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use social media in a variety of formats.
• Comfort presenting in front of small and large crowds.
• Experience establishing solid partnerships.
• Highly self-motivated.
• Innovative audience engagement and development.
• Demonstrated skills in partnership development and project management.
• Experience creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience.
• Experience managing volunteers.
• Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework/training on multicultural topics.

Further information:

The Pinellas County 4-H program has recently developed and renovated a 4-H Youth Development Center. This 5-acre center currently possesses two buildings and a community garden. The 4-H agent will have the opportunity to work with a group of dedicated volunteers, other agents, and support staff to create and develop new activities and events at the center.

Pinellas County is located on the west coast of Florida. The county is bordered on the east by Tampa Bay and the west by the Gulf of Mexico. UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County is in Largo, Florida. The population of the county is approximately 900,000+. Major cities are Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Seminole, Dunedin. Pinellas County is a varied and economically vibrant community. Pinellas is a tourist destination with more than 500 miles of coastline, home to the Tampa Bay Rays and multiple other professional sport organizations.

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 from an accredited college or university in youth development, education, community development/sociology or a related field. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to advance your career by making at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Candidates must hold a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent II or higher.
• A flexible schedule that allows for irregular hours including evening and weekend meetings as well as overnight travel.
• Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
• Reliable personal transportation for work-related in-county and out-of-county travel as needed.
• Ability to pass Florida Level 2 DCF screening and drug screening.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance diverse responsibilities.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

• A master’s degree.
• Previous teaching or Land Grant University Extension experience.
• Spanish language experience or fluency.

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.