RSA & Ext Agent II - IV

Candidates shall hold a master’s degree or 50% of hours completed towards a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 & Innovation, Freedom & Civility, Community, and Stewardship.

We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make us strong. We seek candidates with both academic and interpersonal skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and believe in opportunities 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.

Position Summary

The Central District 4-H Regional Specialized Agent (RSA) is a faculty role within UF/IFAS Extension providing leadership and support for 4-H Youth Development programming across both the state (60 percent) and the Central District (40 percent). The RSA plays a crucial role in achieving Florida 4-H’s long-term objective of reaching 300,000 youth by 2030. The location for this position is negotiable based on office availability and input from IFAS Extension leadership.

The current educational assignment emphasizes 4-H Club Development and Program Quality (Priority Working Group 1). This assignment may evolve over time in response to statewide priorities or emerging youth program needs.

The RSA strengthens county agent, staff, and volunteer capacity to deliver high-quality and sustainable 4-H programs that contribute to Florida 4-H’s organizational goals and operate within the National 4-H Beyond Ready Framework.

Key Responsibilities

Statewide Leadership (60 percent)

• Lead statewide efforts in 4-H Club Development and Program Quality (Priority Work Group 1).
• Enhance the quality, consistency, and sustainability of 4-H clubs through standards, training, mentoring, and curriculum support.
• Develop scalable club models (school-based, after-school, project-based, and community clubs) to increase access and youth engagement.
• Partner with other RSAs and the Volunteer Development/K-12 Educator Development and Youth Development Priority Work Groups to align club practices with statewide growth and impact goals.
• Advance Extension scholarship through applied research and evaluation that not only contributes to the field but also directly supports Florida 4-H’s organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the State 4-H Program Leader, other RSAs, State Specialized Agents, and UF/IFAS Extension Specialists to ensure programming is research-based, data-driven, and consistent statewide.
• Develop creative works such as presentations, publications, digital learning tools, and training modules that advance positive youth development and support county professionals and volunteers.
• Contribute to professional associations, peer networks, and conferences to enhance Florida 4-H’s visibility as a national leader in youth development.
• Seek extramural funding to support innovative programming and agent development.

District Leadership and Faculty Support (40 percent)

• Serve as the primary faculty resource for 4-H in the Central District, providing consultation, coaching, and professional development for county agents.
• Support county Extension agents in program planning, evaluation, volunteer systems, compliance, and conflict resolution.
• Work collaboratively with county faculty to identify and resolve challenges early, promoting effective problem-solving and minimizing the need for escalation.
• Coordinate and deliver professional development for 4-H agents to strengthen capacity and align local programs with statewide goals.
• Foster a positive, productive, and collaborative professional culture among Central District 4-H agents.

Why Join UF/IFAS 4-H

UF/IFAS 4-H offers an environment of innovation, collaboration, and purpose. Joining this team means contributing to one of the nation’s premier youth development organizations, recognized for its research-based programming, national leadership in youth development, and enduring commitment to preparing youth to thrive as healthy, productive, and engaged adults. Additionally, UF/IFAS 4-H provides numerous professional development opportunities to help team members grow and advance in their careers.

Further information:

UF/IFAS Extension Central District comprises 11 counties: Flagler, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia. Location within the Central District to be determined.

This is not a remote work position.

Employment is contingent on the results of national background screening.

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 supervising the office and contribute to its 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 to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through the efforts of 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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A master's degree in youth development, education, or other relevant field is required for ranks III or IV.  The minimum requirement for an Extension Agent II is a master’s degree or 50% of the master’s degree completed.
• 8 or more years of experience in youth development, education, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in using technology for program delivery and management.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the 4-H Youth Development program and a commitment to UF core values and UF/IFAS Extension values.
• Level 2 DCF background screening is required due to the significant youth engagement in this role.
• Candidates must have a commitment to UF core values. 

• A doctorate in a relevant field is preferred for higher levels.
• Experience in 4-H or Cooperative Extension systems.
• Demonstrated success in grantsmanship or applied Extension research.
• Experience with digital tools and platforms for program delivery.

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

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 and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.