Extension Assistant Professor of Extension Education

Ext Ast Prof

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 .

This is a 12-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 80% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 20% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), available in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication , Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida.  This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.  Duties will include (1) coordinating a comprehensive, needs-based professional development program for state and county Extension faculty focused on virtual education delivery of Extension programs in collaboration with the Program Development and Evaluation Center (PDEC) coordinator; (2) leading and contributing to team efforts in UF/IFAS for designing, delivering, and evaluating superior quality professional development programs for Extension faculty; (3) leading a statewide working group of faculty to increase the utilization of educational technology to enhance Extension program delivery; (4) providing evaluation support and guidance for virtual delivery of Extension programming; (5) assisting in developing and executing PDEC programs and initiatives aligned with the Organizational Goals of the UF/IFAS Extension Roadmap; (6) representing PDEC in administrative and professional meetings when the PDEC coordinator is unable to attend; and (7) contributing to the Department’s overall goals in scholarship. The faculty member will seek contract and grant funding actively to support their program.  The faculty member will engage in Extension activities in their program area.  

The faculty member will participate actively in undergraduate education and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research, supervising undergraduate research, and publishing the results with their graduate students.

Background Information :

The Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is a comprehensive academic unit in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida and has diverse teaching, research, and extension education programs with 28 faculty members and 13 support personnel located on the Gainesville campus. An additional three faculty members are directing the department’s program at the UF/IFAS Plant City location.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences , the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station , the Florida Cooperative Extension Service , the College of Veterinary Medicine , the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Extension education or a closely related discipline is required.  Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding.  Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence, discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship. 

Previous successful county extension experience and academic and/or professional experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating professional development programs with an emphasis on leadership. Postdoctoral or professional experience, expertise, and interests that support the focus of this position.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by March 18, 2024.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

This position is available August 15, 2024, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available.  Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome.  Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:

Please refer to Requisition # 530205

Dr. Matt Benge

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Agricultural Education and Communication

PO Box 110540

Gainesville, FL 32611

Telephone:                               352-294-2996

Electronic Mail:                      [email protected]

Application Information

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three (3) individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

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 Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences  is dedicated to establishing a rich and engaging academic environment where our staff, students, faculty strive to recognize and respond to complex issues facing Floridians, the nation, and the world. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.