County Extension Director and Program Extension/Extension Agent II - IV; Assigned Program area TBD

Classification Title:

Cty Ext Dir & Prg Ext/Ext Agent II - IV

Job Description:

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.

You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way

The University of Florida (UF) is a Land Grant Institution with core values of excellence, discovery and innovation, inclusion, freedom and civility, community, and stewardship.

We hire the best. Varied views and experiences 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 opportunity for all. 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 excellent benefits.

Please note: The Extension Agent track is permanent status-accruing, and the Program Extension Agent track is non-permanent status-accruing in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES). The track followed by a successful candidate who does not currently hold permanent status in FCES will be agreed upon by UF and the candidate. It will depend on the current position and experience. A successful candidate who currently holds permanent status in FCES will follow the Extension Agent track.

The Opportunity

The University of Florida /IFAS Extension and Marion County seeks to fill an Extension Agent or Program Extension Agent position with an individual who will also serve as the County Extension Director (CED) of the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Extension Education Center in Ocala, Florida.

As the Extension Agent and CED (75% of your time), you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension and Marion County. We are looking for an individual who is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader. The assigned program area will be determined based on your area of expertise. In addition, at least 5% of the time of non-4-H faculty will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.

As the CED, you will lead, manage, supervise, coordinate, and report on the total Marion County Extension program (currently 11 County Extension faculty including yourself and five staff members). 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 Marion County Extension Office in Ocala.

What you will do:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders, including county government, community leaders, private sector clients, media, and UF/IFAS faculty and staff.
• Organize and conduct regular faculty development workshops, training sessions, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of Extension personnel.
• Support staff in setting short-term and long-term goals for their roles and professional development.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and learning within the office.
• Manage the business side of the Extension Office, including financial and compliance issues.
• Familiarity with budgeting and cost-reduction methods including but not limited to deferred maintenance, vehicles, and personnel.
• Secure financial resources to support Extension programs and the Marion County office.
• Develop and execute a strategic plan to promote Extension's success.
• Encourage open communication and feedback during check-in meetings to address concerns and make necessary adjustments.
• Use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation to enhance existing educational programs.
• Utilize computer technology and social media for communication, teaching, and program management.
• Plan, teach, and evaluate educational programs in assigned program area that produce impactful outcomes based on community needs.
• Maintain effective program and overall advisory committees with appropriate community representation and who will advocate for Extension in the community.
• Develop an annual plan of work (POW) and report of accomplishment (ROA).
• Guide and mentor faculty with the preparation of their POW ROA and the promotion process.
• Adhere to University of Florida and Marion County government policies and procedures.
• Collaborate wi