Extension Program Specialist Commercial Horticulture

Sarasota, FL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Classification Title:	Extension Program Specialist - Commercial Horticulture
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Bachelors degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Job Description:	Technical Support: Work with partners from Chemicals in the Environment Residential Horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping programs and county Extension staff to identify plan and implement programs. Serve as a technical professional and educator on the following topics: turfgrass issues plant nutrient and disease diagnostics soil health chemical application methods irrigation systems pruning and calibration commercial nursery production best practices arborist best practices landscape water conservation efforts among others. Maintain ongoing expertise on newly emerged pests and diseases as well as plant cultivars new pesticide and fertilizer chemistries and updates to landscaping best management practices (BMPs) technical skills for landscaping or nursery work worker safety and the production and management of commercial horticulture enterprises. Provide technical guidance and answer questions on those topics from professional horticulture audiences HOA committee members and volunteers at the Plant Clinic. Technical support services will also include evaluating samples diagnostic services site visits/ consultations phone email and in-person contacts. Educational Programs and Materials: Create and deliver educational programs and materials on areas of commercial horticulture technical expertise and hands-on practices and skills listed above. Educational strategies will include in-person workshops and trainings and virtual education such as webinars and development of educational materials such as videos social media eNewsletters presentations fact sheets blogs webpages etc. Support UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County faculty and staff in their delivery of training programs and materials geared toward industry professionals including but not limited to the Green Industries Best Management Program (GI-BMP) Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certification Program Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program pesticide exam review classes and irrigation. Collaborate with the agents to maintain educational and outreach partnerships with industry associations local growers Sarasota County and other local municipalities government agencies other internal and external stakeholders and Extension faculty colleagues to deliver cooperative and interdisciplinary projects. Collaboration will be essential to the continued success of the program. Engage with these stakeholders regularly to assess and respond to needs. Administration and Reporting: Facilitate the administrative steps necessary for approval ongoing maintenance and delivery of relevant continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals. Groups that require CEUs include FNGLA FDACS ISA landscape architects community association managers and Florida-Friendly Landscaping certified professionals. Support agents efforts to seek appropriate grants and other revenue to grow the program. Support the agents in tracking program metrics and implementing evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness. Complete reporting requirements as needed by the county and UF. Serve in an emergency role as assigned during natural disasters and other emergencies. Demonstration Gardens: Support the Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteers in developing and maintaining demonstration gardens and conducting programs and activities there. Support management of the onsite greenhouse to maximize its benefit to the staff volunteers and community. Will be required to drive to different stakeholder and demonstration sites.
Expected Salary:	$50000-$60000/annually commensurate with experience Qualifications:	Bachelors degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:	Relevant experience in horticulture or a related field with emphasis in landscape plant maintenance ornamental plant pathology turfgrass science agronomy environmental sciences or a related field Technical expertise in plant installation diagnostic skills soil and fertilizer management tree management turf management and water quality and conservation as they relate to the landscape industry. Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) will be critical to address the educational needs of commercial horticulture clientele 4 years of experience in landscaping industry Familiarity with local state and federal pesticide and landscaping licensing and regulatory requirements Self-starting energetic and team oriented Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with staff volunteers industry media and agency partners Resourcefulness creativity enthusiasm and innovativeness Good organizational and time management skills and a commitment to responsiveness; Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams Ability to use information technology and apply social media to Extension work Certified Florida Horticulture Professional Certified in the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program Practical experience in Extension teaching and training Experience with diagnostic tools such as microscopes and soil testing equipment Experience in greenhouse or nursery production Bilingual ability (English/Spanish)
Special Instructions to Applicants:	OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION: May require standing for prolonged periods of time both indoors and/or working outside. POLICY MAKING AND/OR INTERPRETATION: This position will be responsible for interpreting policies and procedures as well as national state and local policies. PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT: All members of the team will play an active role in the direction and development of their program activities. COMMUNICATION: Daily contact with University state and county faculty and administrators. This is a public position that will communicate with a variety of external stakeholders. Spanish desirable. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL DATA: This position may be responsible for confidential research data from participants. CREATIVITY STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: This position will engage with an active team focused on strategic planning and implementation of programs to support the needs of commercial horticulture stakeholders in Florida. Collaboration within the team is essential for this position. Creative and strategic thinking will be required to accomplish the goals of the program. SUPERVISION: Received: This position is expected to function in an independent manner and self-direct the work of the position. This position exercises independence and initiative in completing assignments and receives general administrative direction. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and conformance with prescribed policies and procedures. Exercised: This position will not supervise other positions. NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: Flexible daily schedule; 40 hours a week or more as needed. Most work will occur during business hours Monday through Friday 8 am 5pm. Weekend and evening work may be required as necessary. Driving within Florida to attend local meetings and trainings may be required including occasional overnight travel. In order to be considered you must upload your cover letter resume and up to three (3) Personal or Professional References. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This is a Time-Limited position.
Health Assessment Required:	No

Required Experience:

Classification Title:Extension Program Specialist - Commercial HorticultureClassification Minimum Requirements:Bachelors degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.Job Description:Technical Support:Work with partners from Chemicals in the Environ...

Classification Title:	Extension Program Specialist - Commercial Horticulture
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Bachelors degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Job Description:	Technical Support: Work with partners from Chemicals in the Environment Residential Horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping programs and county Extension staff to identify plan and implement programs. Serve as a technical professional and educator on the following topics: turfgrass issues plant nutrient and disease diagnostics soil health chemical application methods irrigation systems pruning and calibration commercial nursery production best practices arborist best practices landscape water conservation efforts among others. Maintain ongoing expertise on newly emerged pests and diseases as well as plant cultivars new pesticide and fertilizer chemistries and updates to landscaping best management practices (BMPs) technical skills for landscaping or nursery work worker safety and the production and management of commercial horticulture enterprises. Provide technical guidance and answer questions on those topics from professional horticulture audiences HOA committee members and volunteers at the Plant Clinic. Technical support services will also include evaluating samples diagnostic services site visits/ consultations phone email and in-person contacts. Educational Programs and Materials: Create and deliver educational programs and materials on areas of commercial horticulture technical expertise and hands-on practices and skills listed above. Educational strategies will include in-person workshops and trainings and virtual education such as webinars and development of educational materials such as videos social media eNewsletters presentations fact sheets blogs webpages etc. Support UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County faculty and staff in their delivery of training programs and materials geared toward industry professionals including but not limited to the Green Industries Best Management Program (GI-BMP) Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certification Program Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program pesticide exam review classes and irrigation. Collaborate with the agents to maintain educational and outreach partnerships with industry associations local growers Sarasota County and other local municipalities government agencies other internal and external stakeholders and Extension faculty colleagues to deliver cooperative and interdisciplinary projects. Collaboration will be essential to the continued success of the program. Engage with these stakeholders regularly to assess and respond to needs. Administration and Reporting: Facilitate the administrative steps necessary for approval ongoing maintenance and delivery of relevant continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals. Groups that require CEUs include FNGLA FDACS ISA landscape architects community association managers and Florida-Friendly Landscaping certified professionals. Support agents efforts to seek appropriate grants and other revenue to grow the program. Support the agents in tracking program metrics and implementing evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness. Complete reporting requirements as needed by the county and UF. Serve in an emergency role as assigned during natural disasters and other emergencies. Demonstration Gardens: Support the Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteers in developing and maintaining demonstration gardens and conducting programs and activities there. Support management of the onsite greenhouse to maximize its benefit to the staff volunteers and community. Will be required to drive to different stakeholder and demonstration sites.
Expected Salary:	$50000-$60000/annually commensurate with experience Qualifications:	Bachelors degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:	Relevant experience in horticulture or a related field with emphasis in landscape plant maintenance ornamental plant pathology turfgrass science agronomy environmental sciences or a related field Technical expertise in plant installation diagnostic skills soil and fertilizer management tree management turf management and water quality and conservation as they relate to the landscape industry. Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) will be critical to address the educational needs of commercial horticulture clientele 4 years of experience in landscaping industry Familiarity with local state and federal pesticide and landscaping licensing and regulatory requirements Self-starting energetic and team oriented Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with staff volunteers industry media and agency partners Resourcefulness creativity enthusiasm and innovativeness Good organizational and time management skills and a commitment to responsiveness; Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams Ability to use information technology and apply social media to Extension work Certified Florida Horticulture Professional Certified in the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program Practical experience in Extension teaching and training Experience with diagnostic tools such as microscopes and soil testing equipment Experience in greenhouse or nursery production Bilingual ability (English/Spanish)
Special Instructions to Applicants:	OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION: May require standing for prolonged periods of time both indoors and/or working outside. POLICY MAKING AND/OR INTERPRETATION: This position will be responsible for interpreting policies and procedures as well as national state and local policies. PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT: All members of the team will play an active role in the direction and development of their program activities. COMMUNICATION: Daily contact with University state and county faculty and administrators. This is a public position that will communicate with a variety of external stakeholders. Spanish desirable. STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL DATA: This position may be responsible for confidential research data from participants. CREATIVITY STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: This position will engage with an active team focused on strategic planning and implementation of programs to support the needs of commercial horticulture stakeholders in Florida. Collaboration within the team is essential for this position. Creative and strategic thinking will be required to accomplish the goals of the program. SUPERVISION: Received: This position is expected to function in an independent manner and self-direct the work of the position. This position exercises independence and initiative in completing assignments and receives general administrative direction. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and conformance with prescribed policies and procedures. Exercised: This position will not supervise other positions. NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: Flexible daily schedule; 40 hours a week or more as needed. Most work will occur during business hours Monday through Friday 8 am 5pm. Weekend and evening work may be required as necessary. Driving within Florida to attend local meetings and trainings may be required including occasional overnight travel. In order to be considered you must upload your cover letter resume and up to three (3) Personal or Professional References. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This is a Time-Limited position.
Health Assessment Required:	No