County Extension Director & Extension Agent II - IV

Classification Title:

Cty Ext Dir & Ext Agent II - IV

Classification Minimum Requirements:

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

Job Description:

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. 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.

We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes 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 value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida 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.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Jefferson County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED; 25-35%). The educational responsibilities of the CED/Agent encompass strong leadership with respect to volunteer and youth development (65-75%). Applications from any qualified agent currently appointed to serve in Jefferson County will also be accepted regardless of subject matter responsibilities.

As the CED/4-H Agent, you will lead, manage, supervise, coordinate, and report on the total Jefferson County Extension program (four County Extension Faculty including yourself, one support staff, and one 4-H program assistant). You will demonstrate excellent customer service, and you will respond to client needs in a timely and professional manner. Your office will be located at the Jefferson County Extension Office in Monticello.

What you will do:

• Maintain, foster, and build effective working relationships with county government, community leaders, private sector clientele, media, other government agencies, the public, and UF/IFAS faculty, staff, and Extension administration.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate county faculty with programs in agriculture and natural resources, livestock, 4-H Youth Development, and family and consumer sciences, and county support staff.
• Oversee the administrative operations of the Extension Office, ensuring compliance with university and county policies and procedures.
• Maintain a total of 79 acres of diverse property that includes open pasture, pecan groves, wetlands, wooded areas, horse arena, and office site.
• Collaborate closely with the county administrator to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Jefferson County. 
• Seek and obtain financial resources from the community to support your Extension programs and UF/IFAS Extension Jefferson County.
• Maintain a fleet of county vehicles.
• Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on marketing Extension’s success.
• Maintain an overall advisory committee that reflects county demographics and effectively advocates for Cooperative Extension within the community.
• Plan, develop, teach, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive volunteer and youth development educational program tailored to meet the varied needs of the population in Jefferson County.
• Participate and contribute to University Governance and Service through the northwest district implementation teams and statewide action teams, as appropriate, to meet the needs of Jefferson County.
• Utilize a blend of teaching methods, including virtual platforms and social media, to effectively engage clientele.
• Utilize computer technology and social media for marketing, communication, instruction, and program management.
• Leverage resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to enhance existing education programs and explore opportunities for expansion.
• Determine program responsibilities locally through needs assessments.
• Maint