Extension Agent I-III – Commercial Horticulture

University of Florida•Collier, FL

About The Position

The University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Collier County seek a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent I-III in Commercial Horticulture. This faculty position leads a comprehensive commercial horticulture Extension program serving Collier County’s landscape, nursery, arboriculture, pest management, turfgrass, and green industry sectors. The role develops, implements, evaluates, and reports innovative, research-based educational programs addressing commercial horticulture, environmental stewardship, workforce development, pesticide licensing, and landscape sustainability. The position is jointly supported by UF/IFAS Extension and Collier County, reports to the County Extension Director, and receives programmatic guidance from appropriate state and regional Extension leadership. The agent assesses stakeholder needs and delivers educational programming on topics including integrated pest management, plant health care, irrigation efficiency, water conservation, fertilizer best management practices, arboriculture, invasive species, storm resilience, landscape sustainability, worker protection, and emerging horticultural issues. Programming includes in-person and virtual workshops, field demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification courses, professional development, and industry conferences. The role also supports Green Industries Best Management Practices education, continuing education for pesticide applicators and other credential holders, and practical application of university research. The position builds relationships with commercial horticulture stakeholders, maintains an advisory committee, collaborates with industry and public partners, and provides technical assistance. It demonstrates Extension scholarship, works with faculty and partners on multidisciplinary initiatives, pursues external funding, and maintains program records and impact reports. Youth development programming is a minor component, approximately 5% of the position. The role requires evening and weekend work and travel as needed.

Requirements

For Extension Agent I applicants, a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, or a closely related discipline.
For Extension Agent II applicants, a master’s degree or at least 50% progress toward a master’s degree.
For Extension Agent III applicants, a master’s degree.
Ability to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Effective organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Commitment to timely, high-quality customer service.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Proficiency with educational technology, data management, and digital communication tools.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends and travel as needed.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Ability to obtain and maintain required Green Industries Best Management Practices Instructor and pesticide applicator certifications consistent with the Commercial Horticulture program area.
Commitment to UF core values.
Applicants must provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information, including email addresses, for three references willing to write letters of recommendation.
Selected candidate must provide an official transcript upon hire.
Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by NACES.
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, or a related discipline.
Professional experience in Extension education or an equivalent applied education setting.
Background in landscape pest management, arboriculture, irrigation, turf, or ornamental plant production.
Experience securing grants or external funding.

Responsibilities

Conduct formal and informal needs assessments to identify priorities affecting commercial horticulture stakeholders in Collier County.
Develop, deliver, evaluate, and report science-based educational programs on commercial horticulture and related environmental and workforce topics.
Plan and deliver in-person and virtual workshops, field demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification courses, professional development programs, and industry conferences.
Deliver Green Industries Best Management Practices education and related workforce development programming.
Provide continuing education supporting pesticide applicator licensing and other professional credentials in partnership with industry associations and regulatory agencies.
Translate university research into practical recommendations that improve profitability, environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and risk management.
Establish and maintain relationships with landscape professionals, nursery operators, arborists, pest management professionals, turf managers, municipalities, and public agencies.
Develop and maintain a stakeholder advisory committee to support program planning, evaluation, and accountability.
Collaborate with industry organizations, local governments, educational institutions, community partners, and Extension faculty.
Provide research-based information and technical assistance to commercial horticulture clientele throughout Collier County.
Demonstrate Extension scholarship through educational innovation, applied demonstrations, publications, presentations, impact reporting, and other scholarly activities.
Pursue grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other external funding opportunities.
Maintain participation in relevant professional associations and continuing education.
Maintain accurate records and complete plans of work, accomplishment reports, impact documentation, and accountability reports.
Use data-driven evaluation to document program effectiveness, stakeholder behavior change, and economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Participate in Extension office initiatives, county activities, and assigned emergency management responsibilities.
Support youth development programming as a minor component of the position, approximately 5%.