Extension Agent I or II - Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management (multicounty)

Ext I - II

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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, diversity, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach.

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 .

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Sumter County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Extension Agent position (multicounty). The area served encompasses Sumter and Pasco counties. Sumter County serves as the home office.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will plan, organize, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on science-based Extension educational programs. The agent in this position will provide education to local agriculture producers and associated businesses that will facilitate economic, environmental, and sustainable improvements in agricultural management practices. Target areas include but not limited to ornamental nurseries, vegetable crops, blueberries, citrus, and peaches. Programs will emphasize sustainable crop management, profitability, and IPM practices. The scope of this position includes regular farm and nursery visits, timely responses to requests for information, and diagnosis of problems.

The candidate will be able to:

• Formulate and cultivate a multicounty advisory committee with the purpose of aiding in program design, identifying client needs and priority issues, analyzing county situations, and establishing program budgets. This collaborative effort ensures a well-rounded and informed approach to program development and resource allocation.
• Provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to commercial horticulture and IPM, including production, harvesting, pest management, packaging, and marketing.
• Offer thorough and detailed education on the most recent and cutting-edge IPM options. This includes a comprehensive exploration of innovative techniques and methodologies aimed at effective pest control while minimizing environmental impact.
• Offer comprehensive pesticide license training, facilitate testing, and provide opportunities for continuing education units to support pesticide license renewal.
• Have a working knowledge of horticulture and experience with diagnostic skills, agricultural Best Management Practices, soils, fertilizers, pest identification, and pest management.
• Closely observe and analyze market conditions for agricultural crops at both the national and regional levels. Identify a strategically optimized product mix that not only addresses market gaps but also ensures the maximum possible returns for producers.
• Use traditional and innovative educational methods to teach target audiences new practices, procedures, techniques, and skills that will ultimately result in documentable positive behavioral and/or practice change with time. These methods will include the use of web-based teaching technology to enhance sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
• Seek grant, contract, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support Extension programs.
• Work closely with the Central District and County Extension Directors and will assume other duties as assigned by them to meet the responsibilities of the total county Extension effort.
• Develop a range of creative works and publications, including newspaper/newsletter articles, county fact sheets, journal articles, multi-media presentations, computer-generated content, web-based communication and teaching tools, and radio/podcasts.
• Demonstrate active participation and coordination in meetings of the Sumter County Agriculture Alliance. Contribute to the collaborative efforts of the alliance by fostering effective communication and ensuring the smooth facilitation of meetings.

Further Information:

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) boasts a team of over 2,000 dedicated faculty and staff members spread across the entire state. UF/IFAS Extension represents a collaborative effort between state, federal, and county governments, aimed at delivering high-quality, pertinent education and research-based expertise to promote the well-being of individuals, the environment, and the economy. Our Extension program is comprised of 375 Extension agents, each serving a unique role, and we maintain a presence in all 67 counties in Florida. Our ongoing success is fundamentally rooted in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce, valuing the variety of contributions of individuals from various backgrounds and abilities. As an Extension agent, you will actively contribute to a community that encourages innovation, nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and supports the growth and development of all its members.

Sumter County is strategically located at the intersection of the Florida Turnpike and Interstate-75, placing it near major cities like Orlando and Tampa, as well as the abundant opportunities that the Sunshine State offers. Our community's tapestry includes a blend of industry, agriculture, ecological richness, and notable growth in both commercial and residential sectors. The UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County team comprises five dedicated faculty members, including the role under consideration, as well as three staff members.

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

Candidates must have the ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license, be able to work flexible hours, and have the willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

Candidates must have the ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a pesticide license within 12 months of hire.

In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties, if applicable.

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 bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field. 
• Proficiency in strong oral and written interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and strike a balance between diverse duties.
• A commitment to customer service and Extension for All guidelines of UF/IFAS Extension.
• Competence in computer usage, web delivery, and applying social media tools.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility in working hours, with a willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and the potential for overnight travel.
• Dedication to delivering excellent customer service.
• Candidates must have the ability to possess (or be able to obtain) a pesticide license within 12 months of hire.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

• A master’s degree in horticulture or entomology
• Prior experience in Extension or an equivalent field.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including growers, industry professionals, and community members.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of commercial horticulture practices, encompassing crop production, pest management, and diagnostics.
• Proven ability to organize and motivate individuals, fostering teamwork and group cohesion.
• Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.

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

[email protected]

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.