Extension Program Specialist

Do you want to make it easier for limited-resource families in Southwest Florida to lead healthier lives? Are you passionate about health equity? Can you see yourself working with partners from different sectors to increase healthy food access opportunities? The UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP) is seeking an enthusiastic professional to work with regional partners to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for low-income individuals in multiple Southwest Florida counties (DeSoto and surrounding). As part of our policy, systems and environment (PSE) team, PSE Specialists deliver trainings and provide technical assistance to staff from schools, childcare centers, and other community partners. Join us in creating a healthier Florida!

What is SNAP-Ed

SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education) is a federally funded grant program that teaches people how to eat healthy on a budget and be more physically active to reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease.

• The UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP), has been providing SNAP-Ed in Florida since 1996
• Funding comes from the USDA through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• The program is based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA food guidance (MyPlate)
• We teach nutrition education classes where people normally gather, such as schools, community centers, libraries and churches
• Our dedicated regional PSE Specialists work to impact policies, systems and environments to support healthy changes in our communities

The Opportunity

• Deliver virtual and in-person trainings and technical assistance to staff from childcare providers, schools and other community partners
• Help community partners make policy, systems and environmental changes that increase access to healthy food for low-income individuals and families
• Work to achieve health equity in multiple Southwest Florida counties: DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee, Sarasota
• Demonstrate and gain a better understanding of Food Systems: the path that food travels from field to fork including growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consuming, and disposing of food.
• Participate in community health coalitions and advance collective regional impact
• Contribute skills and knowledge to a statewide team working towards same goals in diverse communities throughout Florida

 What We Are Looking For

• Someone who embodies and models FNP Core Values
• Past experience and interest in School Nutrition, Farm to School or other Farm to Institution initiatives, Community Food Systems, Public Health, Agriculture or related fields
• Proven success in project management and meeting deadlines
• History of establishing and growing partnerships with community organizations including schools and school districts, childcare centers, food pantries, municipalities and/or other community-based organizations
• Experience in facilitating virtual and in-person meetings and trainings using interactive, creative techniques
• Comfortable using technology (such as laptop, Zoom and Microsoft Office suite of tools) on a daily basis
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a member of multiple virtual teams 
• Excited to work with multicultural teams and with partners from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including receiving and giving feedback
• Strong written communication skills, including monthly narrative reports

Additional Details

This is a grant-funded, time-limited position headquartered at UF/IFAS Extension in DeSoto County (Arcadia), with ability to work in other offices in the region. Upon hire, employees are granted incidental flexibility and have options for setting their work schedule. After a successful probationary period (typically 6 months), FNP employees are eligible to work up to 16 hours per week remotely.

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 .

$46,300 annual salary + benefits

The University of Florida offers outstanding benefits and retirement options, generous leave plans, a health and wellness program that reflects its commitment to quality of life and quality of work, and many more competitive perks and rewards. Highlights include:

• Coverage options for individuals and families
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Flex Spending, Disability, and other optional plans
• State of Florida Retirement
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Tuition via Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (UF is a qualifying employer)
• Free LinkedIn Learning
• Discounted goods and services; free MS software for personal use; financing for personal computers

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Professional experience in food systems, school systems, farm to school, public health, youth development, community development, education, food security, or social services fields.

Master’s degree in a relevant area.

Experience living and/or working in the assigned region.

All candidates who meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to apply. Please upload a resume and cover letter or statement of interest. 

Level II - DCF background check will be conducted pre-employment.

A valid driver’s license is a position requirement.

This is a time-limited position. 

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.