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Extension Agent I - IV Commercial Horticulture, Small Farms and Natural Resources

Employer
University of Florida
Location
Gainesville

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Extension Agent I - IV Commercial Horticulture, Small Farms and Natural Resources

Job No: 527032
Work Type: Permanent Status Faculty
Location: Suwannee
Categories: Agricultural Sciences
Department: 60352061 - AG-SUWANNEE

Job Description


Classification Title:

Ext Agent I - IV

Job Description:

You Belong at a University that's Leading the Way

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 committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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 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.

Position Summary

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Suwannee County seek to fill a full-time (60%-UF funded/40%-Suwannee County funded) permanent status-accruing Commercial Horticulture, Small Farms and Natural Resources extension agent position. The agent will be responsible for planning, developing, implementing, teaching, evaluating, and reporting on extension programs in commercial horticulture (45%; vegetable crops, watermelons, blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, snap beans, and sweet corn), tree nurseries, food safety, pesticide training, IPM and best management practices, small farms and alternative enterprises (30%), natural resources and forestry (20%). Active participation in the 4-H Youth Development program is also expected (5%), to include but not limited to preparing youth for judging competitions, summer camps, and/or school enrichment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The agent will be expected to develop programs that reflect the county's population diversity and unique educational needs. The agent will maintain an effective program advisory committee with appropriate community representation. The agent will also develop and sustain effective working relationships with Suwannee County government, stakeholder producer/commodity groups, community agencies, media, and residents. Cooperation with extension agents in Suwannee County, Regional Specialized Agents, and other county extension offices, as well as district and state Extension professionals is expected.

Some portion of the agent's time should include active participation in multi-county programs. The successful candidate must be able to design, teach, and conduct and evaluate community-based educational programs, have skills in working cooperatively with youth and adults (such as resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation), possess good verbal, written, and listening communication skills, work effectively as a productive team member and will attend professional development opportunities to enhance skills.

The agent is expected to develop multi-media presentations, fact sheets, posters, exhibits, and web content, write non-technical publications, participate in professional societies, and seek extramural funds in support of the extension program. The agent will use computer technology and social media for communication, teaching, and program management as appropriate. It is expected that the agent will have strong organizational skills, time management and record-keeping techniques. The ability to respond to clients in a courteous, timely, and efficient manner is essential.

The agent will follow all UF/IFAS Extension policies regarding affirmative action, program development, and reporting as well as assume other duties as assigned by the Suwannee County Extension Director and the Northeast District Extension Director. The agent will create an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment and submit required faculty reports. It is expected that the agent will attain promotion and permanent status according to UF/IFAS established guidelines. Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received.

Other Information

Suwannee County is a small (689 square miles) rural community (about 44,000 population) in Northeast Florida. The main towns are Live Oak, Branford, Dowling Park, and Wellborn. The county is home to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground and to many first-magnitude springs. Suwannee County is bordered on three sides by the Suwannee River. The North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley, is located near Live Oak, houses Regional Specialized Agents and provides support to the agriculture community as well. The Suwannee County Extension office currently has agents with programs in livestock and forages, homeowner horticulture, Family and Consumer Science, and 4-H Youth Development.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

Familiarity with plant production, pest and disease management, irrigation management, and nutrient management are critical elements to this position. All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Degree requirements must follow UF regulations for each rank. A Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university is required for candidates qualifying for all ranks (Agents I-IV). A Master's degree in a relevant academic field is required for candidates qualifying for ranks II-IV. Doctoral degrees will be considered for ranks II to IV. Candidates hired at the rank I must make significant progress towards obtaining a master's degree within six years of employment.

The ability to respond to clients in a courteous, timely, and efficient manner (including farm visits) is essential. Computer experience is required, and knowledge of social media/marketing is preferred.

Employment is contingent upon passing drug screening and background checks required by Suwannee County. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver's license and must be willing to travel in and out of the county with occasional overnight travel, irregular hours, and some weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is desirable. Establishing residency in Suwannee County is preferred, as it is expected that the agent will become a part of community life.

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
  • Resume 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

    ifasrecruitment@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 dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

    Health Assessment Required:
    Yes



    Applications Close: 08 Jun 2023

    To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/527032/extension-agent-i-iv-commercial-horticulture-small-farms-and-natural-resources

    The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.









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