Extension Agent I - IV – Sustainable Agriculture

University of Florida•Sarasota, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU), administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. At UF, Extension is located in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and UF/IFAS Extension. UF/IFAS Extension is a federal, state, and county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences and to making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. Our mission of engaging individuals, families and partnering with communities to provide quality relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a resilient environment, and a strong economy is accomplished through extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties. University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Sarasota County seek to fill a Sustainable Agriculture Extension Agent position with an individual possessing both academic and people skills who works well in teams, honors commitments, and innovates in a rapidly changing world. Your educational responsibilities will emphasize strong leadership in both small and large-scale agricultural production with a focus on sustainable food systems and agricultural practices, best management practices (irrigation/fertilization/integrated pest management/water quality, pasture management), labor (laws/relations/shortage/productivity), basic agricultural economics/farm management, and other related topics. You will also contribute 5% of your time to our 4-H Youth Development program in your area of expertise. Your office will be located at the Sarasota County Extension Office in Sarasota. This Extension Agent will have emergency management responsibilities including ESF-17 roles and post-disaster agricultural support functions. The successful candidate must pass appropriate UF and Sarasota County drug and background checks. UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability is one of 16 departments in Sarasota County government. The office operates under a partnership between the Univ. of Florida and Sarasota County government. As part of the national extension system founded in 1914, faculty and staff develop and deliver community initiatives, classes, and volunteer opportunities related to food systems, environmental sustainability, job readiness, health, and community development. Sarasota County is proud of its reputation as a leader in environmental and sustainable practices as demonstrated by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certified office that features use of natural light and beautiful views of Twin Lakes Park, near I-75 and Clark Road. Sarasota County is located on the Florida peninsula, midway between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. Thirty-seven miles of white, sandy beaches line the Gulf west of the county, while the wetlands, prairies, and hammocks of Myakka River State Park roll across much of the eastern lands. Situated in the sub-tropical region that arcs across the state, the area features an appealing climate the year around. Prominent cities include Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. Over 460,000 residents make Sarasota County their home the full year around with another 78,000 or so wintering there. Ninety-eight percent of respondents describe their quality of life as excellent or good and 97% say they would recommend Sarasota County as a good place to live. Agriculture is an important industry in Sarasota County. The most recent Census of Agriculture reports 286 farms on 71,000 acres. The market value of ag products sold is more than $48 million annually. Top commodities include sod, cattle, nursery operations, citrus, and aquaculture. 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. Are you a good match? Apply today!

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, sustainable food systems, horticulture, agronomy, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, you will be expected to advance your degree by making 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.
If hired as Extension Agent II, a master’s degree or at least 50% of the course work for a master’s degree is required.
A master’s degree is required if hired as Extension Agent III or IV.
Demonstrated organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
Experience with digital communication.
A commitment to customer service.
Possess (or be able to obtain) a Florida driver’s license.
Flexibility with working hours; willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and overnight travel.
Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values .

Nice To Haves

A master’s or higher degree in a related field.
Previous industry, teaching, or extension experience.
Experience with agricultural economics and farm or ranch management.
Experience in teaching, writing, and developing educational programs.
Demonstrated skills in partnership development and project management.
Bilingual ability (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, teach, evaluate, and report on sustainable agriculture educational programs.
Coordinate and establish appropriate partnerships, perform site visits, and teach clientele (e.g., landowners, farmers and ranchers, schools, agricultural entrepreneurs, community organizations, citizens, industry groups and local and state government agencies) how to create urban-rural community economic opportunities that support and strengthen Sarasota County’s agricultural industries and local food systems.
Create educational materials and opportunities for Sarasota County.
Collaborate with other Extension Agents in Sarasota County to develop and deliver innovative programming across fields to meet cross-disciplinary needs.
Collaborate with other local and regional organizations to access and utilize funds to accomplish multi-year strategic projects.
Collaborate with other Extension Agents in the Southwest Extension District on multi-county projects.
Be familiar with county, state, and federal regulations and statutes governing agriculture and food systems including, but not limited to, food safety, food processing, food storage, and product development.
Develop and maintain an effective program advisory committee with appropriate community representation.
Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to strengthen current educational programs.
Review and implement new policies, maintain records, assess risks, communicate, and market effectively across social media platforms.
Manage financial resources.
Participate in appropriate professional development activities to stay abreast of industry and community needs.
Assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Extension Director.