Ext Agent I - III

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 Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is 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.

The Opportunity

This full-time permanent status accruing Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Brevard County. The successful candidate will lead in designing, implementing, and evaluating horticulture education programs to assist green industry professionals more effectively in interpreting and using current science and technology. Brevard County is facing continuing challenges associated with a highly urbanized environment adjacent to economically and environmentally important coastal ecosystems. Brevard County is also facing growing challenges associated with stormwater runoff. The programmatic vision for the agent in this position is to work cooperatively with researchers and community stakeholders in Brevard County to promote responsible horticultural practices, while also addressing community resiliency (about 95% of the agent’s time). At least 5% of the candidate's time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development. Your extension education program will be guided by an advisory committee that incorporates the various needs of the county’s population. We are looking for candidates with academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world.

The candidate will be able to:

• Provide training for green industry professionals to include professional landscapers, lawn care operators, and retail/wholesale horticulture professionals.
• Teach water conservation and efficient irrigation practices.
• Teach horticultural Best Management Practices for water resource protection.
• Teach pest management, including insect, mite, disease, and weed management.
• Target programs to reflect the area’s population and unique educational needs using a variety of program marketing and delivery methods, including in-person, site visit consultations, and deliberately focused virtual platforms such as webinars, videos, and social media.
• Develop, conduct, coordinate, evaluate, and report on educational programs for commercial horticulture audiences.
• Build an effective and varied advisory committee to assist with the design, direction, and operation of the extension program.
• Obtain financial resources to support programs and manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
• Develop community partnerships to include local municipalities and producer groups.
• Produce creative, scholarly works and audience-friendly publications.

Further Information:

UF/IFAS employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. UF/IFAS Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We employ 375 Extension Agents and have offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties. 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.

Brevard County, with a population of over 643,000, is located along the Atlantic coast of eastern Central Florida, north of Indian River County, south of Volusia County, and east of Osceola and Orange Counties. The office is located in Cocoa. Brevard County Extension is part of the Southeast Extension District, comprising twelve counties and the Seminole Tribe.

Employment is contingent on the results of a background screening.

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties at the county or district level.

Candidates must have the ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license, be able to work flexible hours, and have the willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

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 in plant science, horticultural science, or a closely related field with an emphasis on turfgrass and/or ornamentals from an accredited college or university.
• Technical expertise in horticultural science.
• Self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness.
• Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams.
• A commitment to positive and proactive customer service.
• Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF's core values.

• A master’s degree, if hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to progress at least 50% toward obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Candidates hired as an Agent II must hold a master’s degree or 50% progress towards a master’s degree is required.
• Practical experience in extension education.
• A strong commitment to the community.
• Evidence of collaborations, partnerships, and marketing with community agencies and groups.
• Experience working in multicultural settings; bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Technological literacy is necessary for communication and program management.

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.