Cty Ext Dir & Prg Ext Agent II - IV OR 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 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 (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 .

We are looking for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. As a County Extension Director (CED) and Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Manatee County. As the CED, (about 75% of your time), you will provide leadership and support for the total Manatee County Extension program, with an emphasis on integrating emerging technologies to enhance program delivery, data management, and the decision-making process. The preferred academic program focus of this Extension Agent position is Natural Resources. Other program area specialties may be considered if they represent an identified gap in current Manatee County Extension education outreach efforts. This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Manatee County community as you work with Extension faculty, staff, Manatee County government, and stakeholders.

Please note The Extension Agent track is a permanent status accruing position within the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES), while the Program Extension Agent track does not confer permanent status. The track followed by a successful candidate who does not currently hold permanent status in the FCES will be agreed upon by UF and the candidate and will depend on their current position and experience. A successful candidate who currently holds permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will follow the Extension Agent track. The programmatic focus of this position is Natural Resources and Conservation.

What you will do as County Extension Director:

• Recruit, hire, lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate county faculty and staff.
• Foster positive staff relationships and morale.
• Analyze fiscal needs and prepare and present annual, budgets for the county department and University funds appropriated to Manatee County Extension.
• Ensure implementation of annual professional development plans for each county Extension personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations as required by County and UF
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders, county government, community leaders, private sector clientele, media, government agencies, county residents, and UF/IFAS faculty, staff, and Extension administration.
• Leverage data to identify opportunities for Extension program expansion and improvement.
• Promote the use of relevant data collection software and tools, enhancing the impact and efficiency of programs.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across Extension initiatives.
• Establish and maintain an advisory committee representative of the county's demographics and stakeholders to ensure Extension programs meet community needs and remain relevant.
• Provide support to each county faculty member maintaining an Extension program advisory committee.
• Lead faculty in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs using Extension-based logic models and measurable objectives.
• Oversee efforts to ensure residents have equitable access to programs and services provided by Extension, including required annual documentation.
• Manage the Manatee County Extension office facilities in accordance with county management guidance and expectations.

What you will do as the Agent:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Natural Resources educational program in cooperation with Manatee County and municipal governments, residents, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders, including program advisory committee members.
• Develop and implement educational programs that integrate emerging technologies to improve natural resource management, including the social, environmental, and economic impacts of programs.
• Utilize dashboards and reporting tools to provide stakeholders with accessible insights into program metrics, outcomes, and community impact.
• Collaborate with other UF/IFAS faculty, Manatee County departments, and partner agencies to help design, conduct, and evaluate studies (including data collection) that assess natural resources in Manatee County.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the support of the candidate by Manatee County administration, and successful passing of a Level 2 Department of Children and Families (DCF) background screening and drug screening results required by Manatee County.

Manatee County is located on Florida’s west coast, south of Tampa/St. Petersburg and north of Sarasota. It comprises 741 square miles with 150 miles of coastline. The county seat is Bradenton, the home of Tropicana Products, and winter home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The County population is approximately 465,000 (2025 estimate). The economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and construction. Agriculture commodities include tomato and vegetable production, citrus, beef cattle, and ornamental production.

Manatee County Extension is located at 1303 17^th Street, West, Palmetto, FL 34221. 

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 an office 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.

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 master’s degree in an academic field, including Natural or Water Resources; Public Policy; Agricultural or Extension Education; Community Resource Development; Wildlife Conservation; or a related field.
• At least three years of administrative, managerial, or supervisory experience.
• Professional written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills (as indicated by submitted materials and interview).
• Technological literacy and proficiency with cloud-based applications, including Microsoft 365 and artificial intelligence-powered tools
• Ability to establish solid partnerships and to find innovative ways to attract new audiences and volunteers, as indicated by previous experience.
• Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

• At least five years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
• Experience creating program logic models, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience.
• Experience in the engagement and leadership of volunteers.
• Experience acquiring funding through grants, contracts, and awards.
• Demonstrated management skills including coaching, mentoring, supervising, and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity of working in environments led by elected and appointed government officials.

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.