State Specialized Agent II–IV, Family and Consumer Science (Food Business and Entrepreneurship)

Classification Title:

SSA & EXT AGENT II–IV

Classification Minimum Requirements:  Candidates shall hold a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.  Job Description: You Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 Opportunity

UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science providing statewide leadership in Food Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting county faculty, entrepreneurs, workforce programs, and industry collaborators throughout Florida. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the role advances UF/IFAS Extension’s mission by strengthening economic decision making, viability, and growth opportunities for food and agribusiness entrepreneurs at all stages of development. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II–IV, depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The position is located at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Immokalee.

Statewide Leadership and Extension Programming

• Lead or co-lead statewide Extension programs that increase the economic resilience of Florida’s food and agribusiness sectors.

• Educate food entrepreneurs and clientele about food and agribusiness planning and start-up considerations, marketing and management.
• Provide training to food and agribusiness entrepreneurs on market research and value-chain coordination, basic financial analysis, and business and market feasibility analysis
• Connect entrepreneurs with mentors to provide one-on-one business coaching to support informed investment, pricing, market entry, and scaling decisions.
• Work with county and state faculty to develop decision-support tools, curricula, and technical assistance to strengthen local program delivery in Family and Consumer Sciences and related food systems areas.

• Embed applied business and entrepreneurial analysis into statewide curricula and workshops to strengthen the economic impact and effectiveness of county level programming.

• Partner and leverage expertise of other faculty in the areas of regulatory, processing, food safety, and product development.

• Serve as a member of Initiative 5 (Food Safety & Food Entrepreneurship) and Initiative 1 (Food Systems) priority working groups, including participation on relevant Action Teams.

Resource Development and Grantsmanship

• Secure federal, state, and philanthropic grants that expand UF Extension’s capacity in food entrepreneurship and local food systems.
• Leverage in-kind resources and partnerships to expand program reach and reduce implementation costs.
• Support integrated funding strategies that align entrepreneurship, food safety, and food systems goals.

About UF

The University of Florida is a premier land-grant institution committed to teaching, research, and statewide Extension outreach that improves the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Florida. As a leading public university recognized nationally for excellence, UF provides an environment that supports innovation, professional growth, and high-impact scholarship. Faculty benefit from a comprehensive suite of employee resources designed to help them thrive personally and professionally, including health plans, retirement programs, leave benefits, and wellness offerings. Details about UF’s full benefits package can be found at https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/.

About IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension connects Floridians with university expertise to support informed decision-making, workforce readiness, economic stability, and resilient food systems. Through campus-based specialists and community-based faculty located across 67 counties and 12 Research and Education Centers, UF/IFAS Extension delivers research-backed education that helps individuals, families, and industry professionals respond to changing needs and emerging opportunities. Th