State Specialized Agent II–IV, Family and Consumer Science (Food Business and Entrepreneurship)

University of Florida

9d

About The Position

UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science providing statewide leadership in Food Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting county faculty, entrepreneurs, workforce programs, and industry collaborators throughout Florida. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the role advances UF/IFAS Extension’s mission by strengthening economic decision making, viability, and growth opportunities for food and agribusiness entrepreneurs at all stages of development. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II–IV, depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The position is located at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Immokalee.

This position contributes directly to UF’s strategic commitment to innovation, professional excellence, and accessible education. As a State Specialized Agent, you will serve as a statewide leader and Extension resource who strengthens capacity among county faculty, engages industry and community partners, and advances economic resilience through applied business and entrepreneurship programming. You will collaborate broadly across UF departments, Research and Education Centers, state agencies, local governments, nonprofit partners, and professional organizations to ensure Floridians have access to reliable, high-quality education that supports long term success. Faculty in this role join a community committed to excellence, leadership, and meaningful statewide impact—ensuring that UF Extension remains a trusted resource for Florida’s families, entrepreneurs, and communities.

Requirements

• Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education and Communication, Food Science, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a closely related field. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
• Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
• At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
• A record of Extension, teaching, or equivalent outreach experience demonstrating strong applied communication and educational skills.
• Experience in small business development, food entrepreneurship, financial coaching, or related applied economic training.
• Ability to work effectively with community partners, state agencies, and interdisciplinary faculty teams.
• Ability to interpret applied research and develop educational materials.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the ability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
• Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
• Ability to travel statewide and work occasional evenings or weekends as required by programming.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values
• Successful completion of a Level 2 DCF background check due to youth involvement.

Nice To Haves

• A doctoral degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, Business Administration, Food Science, or other disciplines closely aligned with food entrepreneurship and economic development is preferred for this State Specialized Agent position.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, managing budgets, or coordinating multi‑partner initiatives.
• Experience designing statewide, regional, or multi‑county Extension programs.
• Experience working with food entrepreneurs, cottage food operators, commercial kitchens, or value-added‑ food ventures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across Florida’s agricultural and food enterprise sectors.
• A record of producing scholarly outputs.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead statewide Extension programs that increase the economic resilience of Florida’s food and agribusiness sectors.
• Educate food entrepreneurs and clientele about food and agribusiness planning and start-up considerations, marketing and management.
• Provide training to food and agribusiness entrepreneurs on market research and value-chain coordination, basic financial analysis, and business and market feasibility analysis
• Connect entrepreneurs with mentors to provide one-on-one business coaching to support informed investment, pricing, market entry, and scaling decisions.
• Work with county and state faculty to develop decision-support tools, curricula, and technical assistance to strengthen local program delivery in Family and Consumer Sciences and related food systems areas.
• Embed applied business and entrepreneurial analysis into statewide curricula and workshops to strengthen the economic impact and effectiveness of county level programming.
• Partner and leverage expertise of other faculty in the areas of regulatory, processing, food safety, and product development.
• Serve as a member of Initiative 5 (Food Safety & Food Entrepreneurship) and Initiative 1 (Food Systems) priority working groups, including participation on relevant Action Teams.
• Secure federal, state, and philanthropic grants that expand UF Extension’s capacity in food entrepreneurship and local food systems.
• Leverage in-kind resources and partnerships to expand program reach and reduce implementation costs.
• Support integrated funding strategies that align entrepreneurship, food safety, and food systems goals.

Benefits

• Faculty benefit from a comprehensive suite of employee resources designed to help them thrive personally and professionally, including health plans, retirement programs, leave benefits, and wellness offerings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level