CTY EXT DIR & EXT AGENT II-IV or PROG EXT AGENT II-IV

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

You Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) 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 12-month permanent or non-permanent status accruing position serves as both an Extension Agent or Program Extension Agent and County Extension Director, providing leadership and administrative oversight for UF IFAS Extension Alachua County while delivering research-based educational programming aligned with local needs.

This role is structured as a 75% administrative and leadership assignment and a 25% programmatic assignment. The appointment may be made at the Extension Agent II–IV or Program Extension Agent II–IV level based on qualifications and experience.

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.

Administrative and Leadership Responsibilities (75%)

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all UF IFAS Extension programs and operations within Alachua County
• Lead strategic planning, needs assessment, and program accountability to ensure alignment with county priorities and UF IFAS Extension goals
• Supervise Extension faculty and staff, including performance management, mentoring, and professional development
• Manage county Extension budgets, facilities, and operational resources in partnership with county government and the University of Florida
• Serve as the primary liaison to county officials, advisory committees, and community stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with university policies, fiscal requirements, civil rights compliance expectations, and reporting standards

Programmatic Responsibilities (25%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs in a relevant subject-matter area aligned with county needs
• Maintain active stakeholder advisory structures to guide program development and ensure community relevance
• Translate applied research into practical applications that produce measurable outcomes
• Contribute to statewide Extension initiatives and collaborate with specialists and agents across Florida
• Support 4-H Youth Development programming through collaboration and integration, as appropriate

This position requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, along with the ability to build partnerships and deliver impactful Extension programming.

About UF

The University of Florida is a premier land-grant institution recognized nationally for excellence in teaching, research, and service. As Florida’s flagship university, it plays a pivotal role in addressing the state’s most pressing challenges through science-based solutions, workforce development, and community engagement. The University fosters innovation across disciplines while preparing future leaders who will shape industries, strengthen communities, and improve lives throughout Florida and beyond.

About IFAS Extension

UF IFAS Extension represents the outreach component of the land-grant mission, serving as a bridge between university research and community application. Through a statewide network of county offices, research centers, and specialists, UF IFAS Extension brings practical, research-based education directly to residents, businesses, and local governments. Extension faculty serve as educators, conveners, and problem-solvers, delivering programming that strengthens agriculture, protects natural resources, supports families, and builds resilient communities.

Working within UF IFAS Extension provides a meaningful opportunity to serve the public while advancing professional expertise. Faculty benefit from a collaborative environment, access to statewide expertise, and a strong support system for program development and evaluation. The University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Additional details are available at: https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/.

About Alachua County

Alachua County is located in north-central Florida and covers approximately 969 square miles. The county has a population exceeding 285,000 residents and includes a blend of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Gainesville, the county seat, serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, and innovation, anchored by the University of Florida and a strong network of public and private institutions.

The local economy is driven by higher education, healthcare, agriculture, and emerging technology sectors. Agricultural production includes livestock, forage crops, specialty crops, and small-scale farming enterprises that contribute to local and regional food systems. Natural resources such as springs, wetlands, and conservation lands are essential to environmental sustainability and recreation in the region.

UF IFAS Extension Alachua County collaborates closely with local government, community organizations, and stakeholders to deliver educational programming that addresses community priorities, enhances economic vitality, and promotes stewardship of natural resources.

Commensurate with education and experience. 

• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline appropriate to the level of appointment (such as agriculture, natural resources, community development, public administration, or a closely related field)
• For County Extension Director appointment, applicants must hold Extension Agent II or equivalent or Program Extension Agent II or equivalent at minimum
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with local government, community organizations, and stakeholders
• Proven experience in program development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a statewide Extension system
• Commitment to the University of Florida core values

• A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline appropriate to Extension leadership responsibilities
• Demonstrated success in leadership roles, including supervision, mentoring, and team development
• Experience managing organizational operations, including budgeting, facilities oversight, and compliance
• Strong record of translating research into practical community applications with measurable results
• Demonstrated effectiveness in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and consensus-building
• Experience working within county-based or multi-unit Extension systems

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.