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Extension Agent I - IV – Environmental Horticulture (66978)

Employer
University of Florida
Location
Florida, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Nov 13, 2020


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 .

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. 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.

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.

We are looking for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, and innovate in a rapidly changing world. As an Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Duval County. You will lead through the design, implementation, and evaluation of extension programs that meet the needs of the county’s diverse population. You will spend about half your time on environmental horticulture educational programs; about 45% of your time leading the Duval County Master Gardener Volunteer program; and about 5% of your time supporting the 4-H Youth Development program in your area of expertise.

What you will do as the Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent:

  • Build a Master Gardener advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals, and help develop the Horticulture Extension Advisory Committee that assists in directing the county-wide program.
  • Recruit, train, and retain Master Gardener volunteers. (The Duval MG program currently has about 200 volunteers.)
  • Teach volunteers and clientele about urban landscapes, ornamental plants, turfgrass, home vegetable and fruit gardening, pest management, and fertilizer management to protect water quality.
  • Provide horticulture-related educational programs to the community through the efforts of Master Gardeners and their outreach programs.
  • Develop collaborative relationships with county and municipal partners, homeowner associations, and garden clubs.
  • Respond to clients in a timely and professional manner.
  • Engage ethnically and culturally diverse residents and agencies in programming.
  • Procure and manage financial resources to support programs.
  • Cooperate in interdisciplinary projects, provide service to schools, develop creative works, and write non-technical people-friendly publications.
  • Create an annual plan of work and report of accomplishment.
  • Employ skills in effective organization and record keeping.
  • Participate in at least one Florida Extension professional association.
  • Create and follow a professional development plan.


Further information:

You will report to the County Extension Director (CED) and the Northeast District Extension Director (DED), and will assume other appropriate duties as assigned.

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

Duval County is a diverse community of more than 950,000 people, surrounded by the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River, lush woodlands, sand hills, and beaches. We have the largest park system in the nation, with more than 400 park and recreational sites. https://www.visitjacksonville.com/

The Duval County Extension Office https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/ is both a division of the City of Jacksonville Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services https://www.coj.net/departments/parks-and-recreation.aspx and UF/IFAS. We have a robust staff of extension agents and assistants, serving throughout our community. Apply to become a part of our growing team!

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.

What you will bring (required):

  • A bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticultural science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Applicants who are expecting to earn a bachelor’s degree by December 2020 are eligible to apply. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to advance your career by making at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.
  • Strong written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to organize and motivate people.
  • Ability to establish solid partnerships and to find innovative ways to attract new audiences and volunteers.
  • 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 in plant science, horticulture science, or a closely related field.
  • Knowledge and experience managing and supporting volunteers and employees.
  • Experience with technology-enhanced and technology-based instruction, communication, and management methods.
  • Plant diagnostic, plant identification, and pest identification skills.
  • Familiarity with current issues in watersheds, water quality, and water supply.
  • Experience creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience
  • A strong commitment to community and volunteer education.
  • Practical experience in extension education, particularly in north Florida horticulture and Florida Friendly Landscaping.
  • Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework or training on multicultural topics.


Apply at http://apply.interfolio.com/81073 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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