Job Description: |
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.
You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way
The University of Florida (UF) is a Land Grant Institution with core values of excellence, discovery and innovation, inclusion, freedom and civility, community, and stewardship.
We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make 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 believe in opportunity 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.
Please note: The Extension Agent track is permanent status-accruing, and the Program Extension Agent track is non-permanent status-accruing in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES). The track followed by a successful candidate who does not currently hold permanent status in FCES will be agreed upon by UF and the candidate. It will depend on the current position and experience. A successful candidate who currently holds permanent status in FCES will follow the Extension Agent track.
The Opportunity
The University of Florida /IFAS Extension and Marion County seeks to fill an Extension Agent or Program Extension Agent position with an individual who will also serve as the County Extension Director (CED) of the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Extension Education Center in Ocala, Florida.
As the Extension Agent and CED (75% of your time), you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Marion County. We are looking for an individual who is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader. The assigned program area will be determined based on your area of expertise. In addition, at least 5% of the time of non-4-H faculty will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.
As the CED, you will lead, manage, supervise, coordinate, and report on the total Marion County Extension program (currently 11 County Extension faculty including yourself and five staff members). You will demonstrate excellent customer service, and you will respond to client needs in a timely and professional manner. Your office will be located at the Marion County Extension Office in Ocala.
What you will do:
- Build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders, including county government, community leaders, private sector clients, media, and UF/IFAS faculty and staff.
- Organize and conduct regular faculty development workshops, training sessions, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of Extension personnel.
- Support staff in setting short-term and long-term goals for their roles and professional development.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning within the office.
- Manage the business side of the Extension Office, including financial and compliance issues.
- Familiarity with budgeting and cost-reduction methods including but not limited to deferred maintenance, vehicles, and personnel.
- Secure financial resources to support Extension programs and the Marion County office.
- Develop and execute a strategic plan to promote Extension's success.
- Encourage open communication and feedback during check-in meetings to address concerns and make necessary adjustments.
- Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to enhance existing educational programs.
- Utilize computer technology and social media for communication, teaching, and program management.
- Plan, teach, and evaluate educational programs in assigned program area that produce impactful outcomes based on community needs.
- Maintain effective program and overall advisory committees with appropriate community representation and who will advocate for Extension in the community.
- Develop an annual plan of work (POW) and report of accomplishment (ROA).
- Guide and mentor faculty with the preparation of their POW ROA and the promotion process.
- Adhere to University of Florida and Marion County government policies and procedures.
- Collaborate with UF/IFAS Extension and Marion County administrations to ensure compliance with annual review procedures and reporting.
- Market the overall Extension program to access target audiences and those underrepresented.
- Coordinate support of the Marion County Extension Team during emergencies to help coordinate Extension’s response as determined by the University and the County.
- Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the District Extension Director and Marion County.
Further information:
This is not a remote work position.
Marion County is located north of Central Florida and includes significant water and other natural resources.
UF/IFAS employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. We employ 375 Extension Agents and have an office in each of Florida’s 67 counties. UF/IFAS Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments with a mission to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We attribute our success to a workforce that embraces the contributions of people of all backgrounds and ability levels. The Extension Agent will contribute to a community that provides space for innovation, creativity, collaboration, growth, and development for all.
Employment is contingent on the results of a national background check and drug screening.
In the event of an emergency, all UF County employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties if applicable.
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.
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Special Instructions to Applicants: |
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, 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.
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