Extension Agent I IV – Sustainable Agriculture

Ext Agent I - IV

Candidates shall hold a masters degree and/or bachelors degree with relevant experience and accomplishments.

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 or the Florida Relay System at (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .

The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state federal and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF) together with Florida A&M University (FAMU) administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

At UF Extension is located in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station and UF/IFAS Extension.

UF/IFAS Extension is a federal state and county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture human and natural resources and the life sciences and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. Our mission of engaging individuals families and partnering with communities to provide quality relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people a resilient environment and a strong economy is accomplished through extension faculty members scientists educators administrative staff and volunteers working cohesively throughout Floridas 67 counties.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Sarasota County seek to fill a Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent position with an individual possessing both academic and people skills who works well in teams honors commitments and innovates in a rapidly changing world. Your educational responsibilities will emphasize strong leadership in both small and large-scale agricultural production with a focus on sustainable food systems and agricultural practices best management practices (irrigation/fertilization/integrated pest management/water quality pasture management) labor (laws/relations/shortage/productivity) basic agricultural economics/farm management and other related topics. You will also contribute 5% of your time to our 4-H Youth Development program in your area of expertise. Your office will be located at the Sarasota County Extension Office in Sarasota.

What you will do:

• Plan develop teach evaluate and report on sustainable agriculture educational programs.
• Coordinate and establish appropriate partnerships perform site visits and teach clientele (e.g. landowners farmers and ranchers schools agricultural entrepreneurs community organizations citizens industry groups and local and state government agencies) how to create urban-rural community economic opportunities that support and strengthen Sarasota Countys agricultural industries and local food systems.
• Create educational materials and opportunities for Sarasota County.
• Collaborate with other Extension Agents in Sarasota County to develop and deliver innovative programming across fields to meet cross-disciplinary needs.
• Collaborate with other local and regional organizations to access and utilize funds to accomplish multi-year strategic projects.
• Collaborate with other Extension Agents in the Southwest Extension District on multi-county projects.
• Be familiar with county state and federal regulations and statutes governing agriculture and food systems including but not limited to food safety food processing food storage and product development.
• Develop and maintain an effective program advisory committee with appropriate community representation.
• Use resourcefulness creativity enthusiasm and innovation to strengthen current educational programs.
• Review and implement new policies maintain records assess risks communicate and market effectively across social media platforms.
• Manage financial resources.
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities to stay abreast of industry and community needs.
• Assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Extension Director.

Further information:

This Extension Agent will have emergency management responsibilities including ESF-17 roles and post-disaster agricultural support functions.

The successful candidate must pass appropriate UF and Sarasota County drug and background checks.

UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability is one of 16 departments in Sarasota County government. The office operates under a partnership between the Univ. of Florida and Sarasota County government. As part of the national extension system founded in 1914 faculty and staff develop and deliver community initiatives classes and volunteer opportunities related to food systems environmental sustainability job readiness health and community development. Sarasota County is proud of its reputation as a leader in environmental and sustainable practices as demonstrated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certified office that features use of natural light and beautiful views of Twin Lakes Park near I-75 and Clark Road.

Sarasota County is located on the Florida peninsula midway between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Thirty-seven miles of white sandy beaches line the Gulf west of the county while the wetlands prairies and hammocks of Myakka River State Park roll across much of the eastern lands. Situated in the sub-tropical region that arcs across the state the area features an appealing climate the year around. Prominent cities include Sarasota Venice and North Port. Over 460000 residents make Sarasota County their home the full year around with another 78000 or so wintering there. Ninety-eight percent of respondents describe their quality of life as excellent or good and 97% say they would recommend Sarasota County as a good place to live.

Agriculture is an important industry in Sarasota County. The most recent Census of Agriculture reports 286 farms on 71000 acres. The market value of ag products sold is more than $48 million annually. Top commodities include sod cattle nursery operations citrus and aquaculture.

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 in order 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 Floridas 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!

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelors degree in agriculture sustainable food systems horticulture agronomy or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. If hired solely with a bachelors degree you will be expected to advance your degree by making 50% progress towards obtaining your masters degree within the first 6 years of employment.
• If hired as Extension Agent II a masters degree or at least 50% of the course work for a masters degree is required. A masters degree is required if hired as Extension Agent III or IV.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with digital communication.
• A commitment to customer service.
• Possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida drivers 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.

• A masters or higher degree in a related field.
• Previous industry teaching or extension experience.
• Experience with agricultural economics and farm or ranch management.
• Experience in teaching writing and developing educational programs.
• Demonstrated skills in partnership development and project management.
• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish).

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
• 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 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.