Extension Agent I or II – Residential Horticulture

Ext Agent I - II

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 .

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 Opportunity

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

As the Agent, you will build an extension program that provides public education on issues related to residential horticulture, food systems, and water conservation in Lake County. You will oversee the 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 collaborate with faculty in other program areas in carrying out programs in agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and 4-H Youth Development. You will help promote local food systems and water conservation education in support of the County Extension Program. You will also oversee the management of the Discovery Gardens teaching garden, supervise the garden’s landscape technician, and coordinate Master Gardener volunteer activities within the gardens for educational purposes.

You will follow all University of Florida and Lake County policies and procedures and will perform other duties as assigned by the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Director and Central District Extension Director.

What you are responsible for:

• Planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating your extension programs.
• Responding to clients in a timely and efficient manner.
• Managing the UF/IFAS Lake County Master Gardener social media accounts.
• Developing and maintaining an active residential horticulture advisory committee that will provide input for the direction of the program.
• Working with other agents as part of a team and collaborating on projects such as grants and events.
• Writing articles, developing multi-media presentations, composing county fact sheets, and creating posters and exhibits.
• Obtaining extramural funding for program delivery and enhancement.
• Developing or assisting with 4-H Youth Development activities.
• Participating in appropriate professional organizations.
• Becoming a certified and active instructor in Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs).
• Attaining promotion and permanent status per state extension faculty guidelines.

Further information:

The agent’s home location is the Lake County Extension Office located in Tavares, FL.

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 to 6 weeks after the position closing date.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in horticulture, environmental horticulture, or a closely related area. We will accept applicants without a bachelor’s degree if the degree is earned by May 2024. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to grow in your career. Therefore, you will be expected to progress at least halfway towards obtaining a master's degree within 6 years of employment.
• You must possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license
• You must be flexible with your time and willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel
• You are required to comply with the policies in the Memorandum of Understanding between Lake County Government and the University of Florida.
• Candidates must have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

• A master’s degree
• Practical experience in horticulture
• Experience working with and managing volunteers
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to present in front of large groups
• Experience using a variety of educational methods to reach various audiences
• Knowledge of residential horticulture, turfgrass culture, vegetable gardening and plant/pest diagnostics
• Knowledge of basic irrigation systems, water conservation, and efficient irrigation practices
• Familiarity with state and federal pesticide and fertilizer application licensing requirements
• The ability to develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with Master Gardener volunteers
• Excellent organizational skills and good record-keeping techniques
• Experience with technology-enhanced and technology-based teaching methods

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.