County Extension Director & Agriculture/Livestock Extension Agent I - IV

Classification Title:

Cty Ext Dir & Ext Agent I - IV

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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 University of Florida (UF), the flagship university for the state of Florida, is a land grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach. The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. IFAS Extension employs 375 Extension Agents and has an office in each of Florida's 67 counties.

Our mission in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service is to partner with communities to provide quality, relevant education, and research-based expertise to improve health, environment, and the economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families, and communities.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Desoto County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED; 25-35%). The educational responsibilities of the CED/Agent encompass strong leadership with respect to Agriculture/ Livestock (65-75%). There is an expectation of active participation in the 4-H Youth Development program (5%). Applications from any qualified agent currently appointed to serve in Desoto County will also be accepted regardless of subject matter responsibilities.

Job Description:

As an extension educator, you will lead through the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming that meets the needs of the county's diverse population in the selected programmatic area. Duties will include farm visits and diagnostics along with assisting producers in securing appropriate expertise from University of Florida Extension specialists. You may also assist in applied research projects that further improve ranching operations and profitability.

As the CED, you will lead, manage, supervise, coordinate and report on the total county extension program while maintaining, fostering and building effective working relationships with advisory committee, stakeholders, county government, community leaders, private sector clientele, media, government agencies, county residents, and UF/IFAS faculty, staff and extension administration.

You will demonstrate resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to strengthen current educational programs while reviewing and implementing new policies, maintaining records, assessing risks, communicating and marketing effectively across social media platforms, managing financial resources, and creating educational materials and opportunities for Desoto County.

The CED/Agent role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Desoto County community working with extension faculty, staff and stakeholders. You will also collaborate with the District Extension Director and other Southwest CEDs on multi-county projects and serve as a role model to the community.

Additional Information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a national background screening.

Desoto County is a small, rural, community. This interior Florida county consists of approximately 639 square miles, providing many activities for nature enthusiasts, such as boating, canoeing, swimming, and golf.

Agriculture and related industries are the primary employer for this close-knit community of approximately 36,000 residents. The city of Arcadia is the county seat. The county has easy access to the coastal communities of Bradenton/Sarasota and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers.

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 Florida's 67 counties.

Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not be scheduled until 4-6 weeks after submission.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

A Master's degree is required. At least one degree must be in animal science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

At least 5 years of professional extension experience or equivalent. A commitment to customer service. Ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver's license.

Flexibility with working hours. Willingness to work irregular hours, including some evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous CED experience or equivalent is preferred. Experience in creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience is highly desirable.

Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations is a plus for this role. You must be an effective written, verbal and listening 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. We actively seek applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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

• Unofficial copies of all transcripts (showing coursework) of your academic degrees

The following documents are also required and may either be submitted through the above link at the time of application or sent separately to our office (below).

• Current and Previous Employment Form

• A minimum of 3 reference rating forms from your professional/academic references. Applicants are responsible for sending the rating form link to their references.

• Reference forms will be kept on file for 1 year and will be automatically used with any of our extension agent positions you apply for during that time.

Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of application should be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position's closing date. They may be submitted to:

UF IFAS Human Resources

Faculty Recruitment and Hiring

P O Box 110281

Gainesville, FL 32611-0281

ifas-hr@ifas.ufl.edu

Fax: (352) 392-3226

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 of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required: No