Extension Agent I-III - Commercial Horticulture

University of Florida•Orange, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 12-month, full-time, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent position jointly funded by UF IFAS Extension and Orange County. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive Commercial Horticulture program serving green industry professionals and supporting workforce needs throughout the county. The role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based educational programs focused on Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fertilizer application, diagnostic services, and regulatory compliance. The agent will also conduct pesticide applicator training, certification programs, and continuing education opportunities for commercial clientele, and provide diagnostic support related to plant health, pest identification, disease management, and nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, the position requires delivering technical workshops, demonstrations, and applied training programs for landscape professionals, nursery operators, and pest management personnel. Stakeholder engagement includes establishing and maintaining an advisory committee, collaborating with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and local governments, and partnering with Extension specialists and faculty. Program management involves developing annual plans of work, reporting measurable program impacts, maintaining records, managing resources, ensuring accountability, and seeking extramural funding. A minimum of 5% appointment is dedicated to 4-H Youth Development, involving the development and delivery of horticulture-related educational programming, integration of plant science and green industry career awareness, collaboration with the 4-H agent, and providing technical expertise for youth horticulture projects. Extension Service Expectations include responding to clientele inquiries, participating in professional development and industry engagement, and contributing to overall county Extension programming.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, or a closely related field
Candidates hired at the bachelor’s level are expected to make significant progress toward a master’s degree within the first six years of employment
Demonstrated knowledge of commercial horticulture systems including plant production, pest management, and landscape operations
Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs for adult and youth audiences
Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for technical and public audiences
Proficiency with computer applications, program reporting systems, and digital communication tools
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and meet program accountability expectations
Ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Successful completion of Level 2 background screening and certification through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is required due to youth engagement responsibilities
Commitment to UF core values
Green Industries Best Management Practices training
Appropriate pesticide licensure

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, or a related discipline
Experience working with commercial horticulture industries such as landscape maintenance, nursery production, or pest management services
Experience developing and delivering workforce training or industry certification programs
Knowledge of arboriculture practices, including tree care, pruning, and plant health management within commercial landscapes
Possession of, or ability to obtain, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification
Demonstrated success in securing extramural funding and managing program budgets
Strong ability to build partnerships with industry stakeholders, agencies, and organizations
International Society of Arboriculture certification
Commercial Pesticide Applicator credentials

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs focused on Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fertilizer application, diagnostic services, and regulatory compliance
Conduct pesticide applicator training, certification programs, and continuing education opportunities for commercial clientele
Provide diagnostic support related to plant health, pest identification, disease management, and nutrient deficiencies
Deliver technical workshops, demonstrations, and applied training programs for landscape professionals, nursery operators, and pest management personnel
Establish and maintain an advisory committee to assess industry needs and guide program priorities
Collaborate with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and local governments to support compliance and workforce development initiatives
Partner with Extension specialists and faculty to strengthen program quality and reach
Develop and implement annual plans of work and report measurable program impacts
Maintain accurate records, manage program resources, and ensure accountability
Seek extramural funding and manage grants supporting Commercial Horticulture initiatives
Develop educational materials including fact sheets, presentations, and industry communications
Develop and deliver horticulture-related educational programming supporting the 4-H Youth Development program
Integrate plant science and green industry career awareness into youth activities through demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on learning
Collaborate with the 4-H agent to incorporate Commercial Horticulture topics into youth programming and events
Provide technical expertise for youth horticulture projects, contests, and skill-building activities
Promote awareness of career opportunities in landscaping, nursery production, and pest management industries
Respond to clientele inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Participate in professional development and industry engagement
Contribute to overall county Extension programming as assigned