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.

You Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way

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 Regional Specialized Agent II–IV position in Commercial Horticulture offers an opportunity to lead impactful programming across the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with a central focus on the nursery industry and related commercial horticulture enterprises. The position also supports urban agriculture efforts that utilize commercial production methods, including controlled‑environment systems and market-oriented growing operations.

Regional Leadership and Multi-County Support

• Lead Commercial Horticulture programming across multiple counties in the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with emphasis on container, foliage, ornamental, and greenhouse nursery production.
• Support county Extension faculty by providing technical consultation, in-service training, program planning assistance, and educational resources that enhance local horticulture programs.
• Develop and deliver research-based educational programs focused on plant production efficiency, plant health, regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and workforce development for commercial horticulture operations.
• Incorporate urban agriculture systems that align with commercial horticulture practices, such as controlled‑environment agriculture, hydroponic systems, high‑tunnel production, and market-focused urban farms.

Applied Demonstration and Research Integration

• Collaborate with MREC and other UF/IFAS research faculty to translate applied research into practical recommendations, demonstrations, decision‑support tools, workshops, and publications.
• Design or support applied demonstrations and trials addressing key issues such as pest and disease management, automation technologies, substrate innovations, nutrient management, irrigation and environmental controls, and compliance with best management practices.
• Use results from applied demonstrations and research projects to strengthen Extension programming and share findings through field days, technical bulletins, fact sheets, and digital channels.

Industry and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with nursery owners and managers, greenhouse operators, allied industry organizations, regulatory agencies, local governments, community partners, and service providers.
• Serve as a resource and liaison among county Extension faculty, commodity groups, and industry associations to address emerging challenges and coordinate responses to regional issues.
• Engage with urban agriculture practitioners whose operations use commercial horticulture methods, providing technical guidance and connecting them with UF/IFAS Extension resources.

Accountability, Reporting, and Resource Development

• Seek external funding through grants, contracts, sponsorships, and fee-based programs to support educational initiatives, demonstrations, and technology adoption.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of program activities, participation, outcomes, and impacts, and report these to UF/IFAS Extension leadership and stakeholders.
• Align programming with UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture expectations, statewide initiatives, and district priorities, and contribute to strategic planning and team efforts.

The University of Florida is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public research universities, recognized for its strong academic programs, impactful research, and extensive engagement across the state. As a land‑grant institution, the University of Florida is committed to teaching, research, and public service that advance Florida’s economy, support agricultural and natural resource systems, and improve the quality of life for residents. Faculty and staff collaborate across disciplines to address complex challenges in food production, environmental stewardship, human health, and community development, ensuring that the university’s work leads to practical, science-based solutions.

About UF/IFAS

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a cornerstone of this mission. UF/IFAS integrates research, teaching, and Extension to support Florida’s agricultural and horticultural industries, protect natural resources, and strengthen communities. UF/IFAS scientists and educators work closely with producers, business leaders, policy makers, and residents to generate and share knowledge that is timely, relevant, and grounded in rigorous research. UF/IFAS includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and UF/IFAS Extension as its statewide outreach component.

About UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension has offices in all 67 counties and operates multiple Research and Education Centers throughout Florida. Extension faculty interpret and deliver university research to meet local and regional needs, designing educational programs, conducting applied demonstrations, and building relationships with individuals, farms, businesses, organizations, and agencies. Extension programs support agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and family and consumer issues, helping Florida communities respond to both immediate challenges and long-range priorities.

Regional Specialized Agents are key to this work, providing subject‑matter expertise across multiple counties, strengthening county operations, and aligning regional programming with statewide goals.

University of Florida employees benefit from a competitive, comprehensive package of benefits and support services. These include health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, employee assistance programs, and family‑support resources, as well as professional development opportunities that encourage continuous learning and career growth. Additional details about benefits can be found at: https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/.

About the UF/IFAS Extension Central District

The UF/IFAS Extension Central District spans 11 counties: Flagler, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia. It includes several large metropolitan areas, growing suburban communities, productive agricultural corridors, and significant conservation lands. The district is home to millions of residents and reflects Florida’s ongoing population growth, economic expansion, and increasing demand for sound guidance on land use, water resources, and community development. County Extension offices throughout the UF/IFAS Extension Central District provide locally focused, science-based programs that address horticulture, agriculture, family and consumer concerns, youth development, and environmental topics. These offices connect residents and industries to university research and serve as a primary access point for UF/IFAS resources.

Commercial horticulture is a significant economic driver in this district, particularly containerized, greenhouse, foliage, and ornamental nursery production. Central Florida plays a vital role in statewide and national nursery output, supported by innovations in irrigation efficiency, automation, environmental controls, substrate technology, and integrated pest management. The region has also experienced notable growth in controlled‑environment production systems and urban agriculture enterprises that adopt commercial horticulture practices at varying scales.

The Mid‑Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) in Apopka enhances these efforts by providing access to applied research, faculty expertise, and specialized facilities that support ornamental and greenhouse production systems. While this Regional Specialized Agent position is housed at MREC, its scope of work supports county operations and regional horticulture initiatives across the UF/IFAS Extension Central District. MREC functions as a collaborative and logistical base, strengthening districtwide outreach, applied demonstration, and technical support.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, agricultural sciences, or a closely related field to be hired as a Regional Specialized Agent III or IV. The minimum requirement for an Extension Agent II is a master’s degree or 50% of the master’s degree completed. Candidates may be placed at Regional Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.

Additional required qualifications include:

• Proven written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, reports, or other professional materials.
• Experience in planning, teaching, evaluating, and reporting educational programs for clientele or stakeholder groups.
• Experience collaborating effectively with community partners such as developers, homeowners’ association boards, county departments, industry partners, and municipal groups.
• Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
• At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
• For this Commercial Horticulture position, required certifications include the Private Applicator and demonstration and research pesticide certification and the Green Industry/BMP certification, obtained within six months of hire, if not already held.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   

• A doctorate in horticulture, plant sciences, or a closely related field is preferred, particularly for candidates seeking placement at Regional Specialized Agent III or IV.
• Experience working directly with Florida’s nursery or ornamental production industries, including familiarity with current technologies, regulatory considerations, and industry priorities.
• Demonstrated success leading multi-county or regional initiatives, coordinating applied demonstrations or trials, and integrating research findings into Extension programs.
• A record of producing Extension publications, technical reports, digital educational materials, or professional presentations for commercial horticulture or related audiences.
• Experience using data, metrics, and feedback to refine programming and document outcomes and impacts.
• For this Commercial Horticulture program area, preferred certifications include credentials such as Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certified Horticulture Professional certification and relevant Commercial Pesticide Applicator licensure, which support advanced technical credibility with horticulture and nursery clientele.

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.