Ext Agent I - IV

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 Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments that provides quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.

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

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Hardee County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Residential Horticulture Extension Agent position. We wish to hire an individual with skills in residential landscapes and volunteer management.

As the Agent, you will build and oversee a new Master Gardener Volunteer program including the daily operation of all Master Gardener Volunteer events, projects, and committees. You will conduct or coordinate on-going training for existing Master Gardener Volunteers plus an annual introductory training session for new recruits. You will spend about 50% of your time on residential horticulture programming including Mosquito control and Florida Friendly Landscaping programs (FFL)  and about 45% of time leading the Hardee County Master Gardener (MGV) Program.  In addition to individual residents, residential horticulture programming may include landscape professionals, homeowner’s associations, builders and developers. The additional 5% of time is dedicated to support of the 4-H youth program through horticulture work coordinated with the 4-H Agent.

You will collaborate with faculty in other program areas who carry out programs in agriculture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development to support county and UF initiatives.  

You will develop tools in form of articles, lectures, and social media posts to educate the local community on the importance of reducing the population of mosquitoes in Hardee County. You will also help monitor and identify mosquito species that may negatively affect the community by transmitting diseases or be a nuisance. The information gathered will provide a baseline for decision-making regarding appropriate practices to reduce the pest pressure on rural and urban areas in Hardee County.

You will build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audiences. You will obtain financial resources to enhance support of your programs and you will manage all components (e.g., policies, records, risk, communication, and accountability). You will cooperate in interdisciplinary projects, provide service to schools, develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, etc.), write non-technical people-friendly publications, and participate in professional societies.

This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Hardee County community as you help shape future generations. As such, you will collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program.

Further information:

Hardee County is a rapidly growing county in the middle of south-central Florida. It is a county with a strong agricultural presence.  The county seat is Wauchula. The county population is approximately 25,600. Hardee County offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rural charm, making it a desirable destination for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Florida experience. The Peace River, a pristine waterway teeming with wildlife, provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the tranquility of nature. This waterbody is a world-famous site for fossil hunting due to its unique geology and ancient history.

Country living in Hardee County offers a slower pace of life, friendly communities, and a strong connection to the land, making it an ideal place for those seeking a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle.

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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field and professional experience. A flexible schedule that allows for irregular hours is necessary. A valid driver’s license and available transportation, a national background screening, and a drug-screening test are requirements of this position. Ability to gain pesticide licenses required to teach clients pursing licensing and continuing educations are required within the first 6 months of employment. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you 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. (Candidates must hold a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent III or higher, and must have completed 50% of course work toward a master’s degree to be hired as an Extension Agent II.) Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   

A master’s degree and at least 5 years of extension experience or equivalent are highly desirable. You should be an effective written and verbal communicator, feel comfortable presenting in front of small and large crowds, be able to establish solid partnerships, and find innovative ways to attract new audiences. Horticuluture knowledge to assist residents with diagnostics of pests, disease and other landscape challenges are helpful.  Your abilities to use computers, apply social media to your work, organize and motivate people, manage volunteers, and work in teams must be strong. Supervisory experience and working in multicultural settings are desirable. Expertise in strategic planning, project management and motivating a variety of groups, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to manage unexpected situations is a plus for this role.

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.