Extension Agent II - IV (Multi-county) - Citrus Job No: 529216
Work Type: Permanent StatusFaculty
Location: De Soto
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department: ******** AG-DESOTO Job Description
Classification Title:
Ext II - IV
Job Description:
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences iscreating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such anenvironment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed toapply for this position, please call or the Florida Relay System at (TDD) or visit Accessibility atUF . Location will be negotiated with in the Multi County Region of Desoto, Hardee, or Manatee Counties, Florida(Southwest Extension District) Position summary
There are approximately 108,000 acres ofcitrus in the Florida production area of Hardee, Desoto and Manatee counties. The successful citrus multi-county extension agent willdevelop, implement, evaluate, promote, and report on comprehensive educational programs to help producers and landowners more effectivelyinterpret and use findings of current science and technology. This agent will be expected to teach the most effective strategies of citrusto deal with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect water quality, water management, horticulturaland economic and other advisory committee related topics. All Extension faculty are expected to explore opportunities to supplement stateand county fiscal support for Extension programming.
The agent must develop effective working relationships with citrus growers,associated citrus organizations, advisory committees, community leaders, media, related state and local agencies, regulatory agencies, andthe public. The successful candidate will work with county extension faculty in the Southwest District and statewide with Extensionspecialists, researchers and other Extension Agents focused on Citrus and other fruit crops around the state, specifically those located atthe Citrus Research and Education Center (Lake Alfred), other REC's and the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. All Extensionagents devote at least 5% of their Extension programming to the UF/IFAS 4-H Youth Development program. Specific extensionprogram focus Develop, conduct, coordinate and evaluate educational programs for citrus. Provide training inagricultural and horticultural Best Management Practices for water resource protection. Provide agriculture worker safety trainingfor citrus growers and their employees (worker protection standards, farm safety, etc.). Participate as a member of the regionalfood safety training team. Provide guidance and educational programming on citrus pest management, including insect, mite, diseaseand weed management. Assist with pesticide applicator educational programs including the supervision of testing for agriculturalpesticide restricted use pesticide applicators. Provide support for growers on other fruit and alternative crops grown in thearea. Provide technical support for volunteer education. Establish and maintain an effective advisory committee to assistwith program development and implementation. Assist with 4-H/Youth Development citrus and fruit crop educational programs. Additional Information: The position will work cooperatively with Hardee, Desoto and Manatee County ExtensionDirectors to provide educational programming to the citrus industry and will be located in one of the three counties. (Location will bedetermined at time of hire).
Expected Salary:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Minimum Requirements:
This position requires a master's degree with a strong academic background in plant science, horticultural science, crop science,entomology, plant pathology, soil and water science, agricultural and biological engineering, or a closely related field.
Candidatesmust possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver public presentations, to producepublications and other materials used in Extension programming, and to work effectively with diverse groups. Experience working inmulticultural settings and coursework/training on multicultural topics are also desirable. Candidates must have the ability to form workingrelationships and teams with colleagues. Knowledge of and experience with information technology to support the delivery of educationalprograms is preferred. The agent must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License, along with the ability to acquire apesticide applicator's license within 1 year of employment. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values of excellence,discovery & innovation, inclusion, freedom & civility, community, and stewardship.
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor's inHorticultural Sciences and experience with fruit crops are preferred along with the required MS degree in the areas mentioned above. A Ph.D.is preferred.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach: Cover letter that describes how your experience and qualifications have preparedyou for this position Resume or Curriculum vitae Unofficial copies of all transcripts (showing coursework) of youracademic degrees The following documents are also required and may either be submitted through the above link atthe time of application, or sent separately to our office (below). A minimum of 3 reference ratingforms 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 positionsyou apply for during that time. Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of applicationshould be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position's closing date. They may be submitted to:
UF IFAS HumanResources
Faculty Recruitment and Hiring
P O Box 110281
Gainesville, FL ********
Fax: (352)392-3226
Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript willnot be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of theUnited States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential EvaluationServices (NACES) .
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution andsubject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.
The University of Florida is an Equal OpportunityInstitution. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoorrecreational activities, and social opportunities.
Health Assessment Required:
No Applications Close: 22 Apr 2024 To apply, visit
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 statusin all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration,benefits, and training.
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