Extension Agent I - III - Sustainable Commercial Agriculture and Natural Resources Management

Classification Title:

Ext Agent I - III

Classification Minimum Requirements:

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

Job Description:

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 access. 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 is Leading the Way:

We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes 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 value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida 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 great benefits.

The Opportunity:

Join UF/IFAS Extension in Santa Rosa County—where agriculture meets innovation. We’re looking for a driven professional to lead sustainable farming and natural resource programs that directly serve producers, landowners, and the broader community. If you thrive on creating practical solutions, building trusted relationships, and making a lasting difference in the field—you’ll find your purpose here.

What you will do:

• Teach sustainability and conservation of resources for commercial commodity crops and natural resources management.
• Provide educational programming related to sustainable agriculture and food systems to the Santa Rosa County community by teaching about Best Management Practices (BMPs), production, harvesting, marketing, and sustainability issues.
• Conduct on-site consultations and provide timely diagnostics to assist producers with crop health, soil management, pest identification, and other production challenges using research-based recommendations.
• Serve on a statewide team of Extension faculty to enhance the use of Autonomous Agricultural Production, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audiences.
• Work as part of a team of county extension faculty from neighboring counties that collaborate to measure the impacts of Best Management Practices (BMPs) educational programs.
• Take the role of “educational first responder” for county and university functions during natural disasters.
• Obtain financial resources to support your programs.
• Manage all program components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability).
• Cooperate in interdisciplinary projects.
• Provide service to schools.
• Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.)
• Write non-technical people-friendly publications.
• Participate in professional societies related to your academic discipline.
• Collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a national background check and drug screening.

Santa Rosa County is a Florida panhandle county of forestland, farmland, pastureland, and white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa County is home to 699 farms encompassing more than 85,080 acres. This land produces commodities such as cotton, peanuts, corn, pecans, hay, cattle, and small livestock. This position is in the city of Jay with the main Santa Rosa County Extension Office located in Milton.

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 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 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!

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience 

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in agronomy, animal sciences, or a related field. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree will be earned by August 2025. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.
• Strong oral and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and balance a variety of responsibilities.
• A commitment to customer service
• Ability to use computers, web delivery, and apply social media to your work.
• Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

• Candidates must have a commitment to UF core values.

Preferred:

• A master’s degree agronomy, animal sciences, agricultural education, or a related field is required to be considered for Extension Agent III and higher levels.  At least 50% of your master’s degree must be completed for Extension Agent II level.
• Cooperative Extension experience or equivalent.
• Provide educational programming in Autonomous Agricultural Production, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Drone technology.
• Demonstrated ability to establish solid partnerships and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and motivate people, manage volunteers, and work in teams.
• Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework or training on multicultural topics are desirable.
• Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.

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 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.

 

Health Assessment Required: Yes