Ext Agent I - IV

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

You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way

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 accessibility.

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.

University of Florida IFAS Extension and Sarasota County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent position. As the Agent, you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive FCS Extension program. The focus areas will be on strategies and programs that address the critical connections between nutrition, aging, chronic disease management and housing. Educational programs will support healthier lifestyles, enhance long-term well-being, and improve living conditions for older adults and others facing health and housing challenges. A minimum of 5% of the Agent’s time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development programming in partnership with the county 4-H Agent.

Your office will be located at the Sarasota County Extension Office in Sarasota.

As the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, you will:

• Design, teach, evaluate, and report on community-based educational programs in the program areas outlined above to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change. Audiences include community residents, professionals, organizations, youth, and more.
• Deliver educational programs using a wide variety of approaches (e.g., workshops, seminars, in-person programming, virtual programming, publications, and electronic media) to effectively reach community stakeholders of a variety of ages, educational and experience levels, and learning styles.
• Develop creative works and non-technical educational materials (presentations, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, videos, educational social media posts, and similar works) for clientele.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with community agencies, governmental entities, businesses, County and UF colleagues, and the public to promote health with innovative shared programing. Coordinate with Sarasota County Emergency Management division regarding area-specific guidelines and education strategies on emergency preparations. Coordinate with the Florida Department of Health Sarasota County regarding area health education priorities.
• Serve as the local agent liaison for the Family Nutrition Program in Sarasota County.
• Establish an advisory committee of citizens and professionals to analyze the county situation, identify priority issues, and assist with program design to reach target clientele.
• Acquire and manage financial resources like grants and in-kind support.
• Actively collaborate with other staff in Sarasota County Extension to implement comprehensive and interdisciplinary programs to meet community needs.
• Complete required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of accomplishments and metrics.
• Follow all the University of Florida and Sarasota County policies and procedures.
• Assume other assignments and responsibilities in support of the total Extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director and District Extension Director.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a Level II background check and other screenings as required by Sarasota County government and the University of Florida.

This position will have a mandatory assigned role in times of emergency. All employees considered essential personnel.

UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension and Sustainability is one of 16 departments in Sarasota County government. The office operates under a partnership between the University of Florida and Sarasota County government. As part of the national Extension system founded in 1914, faculty and staff develop and deliver community initiatives, classes, and volunteer opportunities related to food systems, environmental sustainability, job readiness, health, and community development.

Sarasota County is located on the Florida peninsula, midway between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Thirty-seven miles of white, sandy beaches line the Gulf of Mexico west of the county, while the wetlands, prairies, and hammocks of natural lands roll across much of the eastern lands. Over 460,000 residents make Sarasota County their home the full year around with another 78,000 or so wintering there. Ninety-eight percent of respondents describe their quality of life as excellent or good and 97% say they would recommend Sarasota County as a good place to live.

Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, these 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 family and consumer sciences, nutrition science or dietetics, gerontology, health and wellness, financial management, or a closely related field.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenter of research-based knowledge with both large and small crowds.
• A commitment to excellent external and internal customer service and responsiveness in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a leader and team member.
• Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation.
• High level of organization, good record-keeping techniques, and project and time management skills.
• Knowledge and experience in the use and application of information technology and communication applications.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values

• A master’s degree.  To be hired at the Agent III or IV ranks, candidates must hold an MS degree. Rank will be determined according to UF rank requirements.
• If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to grow in your career. Therefore, you will be expected to progress at least halfway towards obtaining a master's degree within 6 years of employment.
• Previous professional experience in the field, including in marketing, teaching, and evaluating educational programs, preferably with experience as an Extension agent or equivalent.
• Experience creating educational curricula and developing instructional materials.
• Experience obtaining extramural funding.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability.

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 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.