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Extension Agent I - IV – 4-H Youth Development (59156)



The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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 .

Our mission in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service is to partner with communities to provide quality, relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families and communities.

The Univ. of Florida (UF) is a Land Grant institution with core values of unique purpose, excellence, integrity, collaboration and partnership, lifelong learning, diversity, responsiveness, innovation, communication, and global reach. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff statewide. IFAS Extension employs 375 Extension Agents and has an office in each of Florida’s 67 counties.

We hire the best. Diverse views and experience make us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly-changing world, and believe in inclusion. Working for Florida Cooperative Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.

As a 4-H Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS (60% salary) and Manatee County (40% salary). We are looking for an individual that is self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented whose educational responsibilities will encompass positive development of youth between 5 and 18 years old. You will embrace strong leadership as you develop adult volunteers and help youth audiences attain life skills. Your 4-H work may cover animal sciences, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), arts, entrepreneurship, agriculture, career development, environmental education, leadership, and citizenship. You will demonstrate excellent external and internal customer service and you will respond to client needs in a timely and professional manner. Your office will be located at the Manatee County Extension Office in Palmetto.

What you will do:

  • Work as part of a team with local citizens, county/state Extension colleagues, agencies, and organizations that are concerned with the needs and well-being of area youth.
  • Establish a local advisory committee to guide your program towards growth and stability.
  • Use a needs assessment to target programs reflecting the county’s population diversity and unique educational needs.
  • Develop, sustain, and monitor the effectiveness of a volunteer system to staff the 4-H program including recruitment, screening, volunteer development, and evaluations/recognition in support of the Manatee County 4-H program.
  • Collaborate with local governments, businesses, social service agencies, and extension professionals to provide educational opportunities for positive youth development.
  • Deliver youth development programs through community clubs, special interest clubs, school enrichment, day and residential camping, and competitive events.
  • Maintain an effective county 4-H Association.
  • Coordinate youth and volunteer involvement in district, area, state, regional, and national 4-H programs and events.
  • Manage and account for all program components including policies, enrollments and records, risk management, communications, and educational materials.
  • Develop, adapt, and implement a communication plan with program participants, families, volunteers, and partners using contemporary approaches including information technology.
  • Possess or develop an area of expertise to share across county lines.
  • Produce creative works (including presentations, posters, website development, and videos), write non-technical, people-friendly publications, and participate in professional societies.
  • Seek and manage financial resources to support 4-H programming and ensure all financial policies are followed as instructed by UF/IFAS Extension guidelines.
  • Follow all county, UF, and IFAS Extension policies regarding affirmative action, program development, and parity.
  • Complete an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment (including details describing your extension program).
  • Occasionally assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the County Extension Director and/or the District Extension Director.


Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a national background check and drug screening.

According to 2019 ES-237 report, the Manatee County 4-H program reached more than 10,000 youths (less duplicates) last year. The 4-H club program comprises 20 community clubs. The county has a strong 4-H Foundation that requires a keen sense of empowerment and engagement. Residential camping is a strong component of the 4-H program where Manatee County remains the only Florida county to host a single-county week accommodating more than 100 youths.

Manatee County is located on Florida’s west coast, south of Tampa/St. Petersburg and north of Sarasota. It comprises 741 square miles, with 27 miles of white sand beaches. The county seat is Bradenton, the home of Tropicana Products and winter home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The county population is approximately 386,000.

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!

What you will bring (required):

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in youth development, education, community development/sociology, or a closely related field.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A commitment to customer service.
  • Ability to 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.


What you will bring (preferred):

  • A master’s degree. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to grow in your career. Therefore, you will be expected to progress at least halfway towards obtaining a master's degree within 6 years of employment.
  • Experience creating educational curricula, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for youth.
  • Demonstrated skills in partnership development and project management.
  • Expertise in getting groups to work together to achieve a goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations.
  • Experience working in multi-cultural settings.
  • Experience in marketing, teaching, and evaluating educational programs.
  • Experience working with and managing volunteers.
  • Experience using a variety of educational methods including technology-enhanced and technology-based instruction to reach diverse audiences.
  • Experience obtaining extramural funding.
  • Excellent organizational skills and good record-keeping techniques.
  • Spanish language experience or fluency.


This position has been re-posted. Previous applicants are under consideration and need not re-apply.

Apply at http://apply.interfolio.com/74076 by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

  • Cover letter that describes how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for this position
  • Résumé or Curriculum vitae


The following documents are required and may either be submitted through the above link at the time of application, or sent separately to our office (below).

  • Unofficial copies of all transcripts and/or coursework of your academic degrees
  • A minimum of 3 reference rating forms (located at http://hr.ifas.ufl.edu/assets/pdf/forms/ref_form.pdf ) from your professional/academic references. Reference forms will be kept on file for 1 year and will be automatically used with any of our extension agent positions you apply for during that time.


Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of application should be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position’s closing date. They may be submitted to:

Ms. Dana LeCuyer
UF IFAS Human Resources
Faculty Recruitment and Hiring
P O Box 110281
Gainesville, FL 32611-0281

dlecuyer@ufl.edu

Fax: (352) 392-3226

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) .

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

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The University of Florida 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 status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.

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