Regional Specialized Agent & Extension Agent II - IV - 4H

Classification Title:

RSA & Ext Agent II - IV

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Candidates shall hold a master’s degree or 50% of hours completed towards a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is committed to 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.

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 & Innovation, Freedom & Civility, Community, and Stewardship.

We hire the best. Varied views and experiences make us strong. We seek candidates with both academic and interpersonal skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and believe in opportunities 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.

Position Summary

The Central District 4-H Regional Specialized Agent (RSA) is a faculty role within UF/IFAS Extension providing leadership and support for 4-H Youth Development programming across both the state (60 percent) and the Central District (40 percent). The RSA plays a crucial role in achieving Florida 4-H’s long-term objective of reaching 300,000 youth by 2030. The location for this position is negotiable based on office availability and input from IFAS Extension leadership.

The current educational assignment emphasizes 4-H Club Development and Program Quality (Priority Working Group 1). This assignment may evolve over time in response to statewide priorities or emerging youth program needs.

The RSA strengthens county agent, staff, and volunteer capacity to deliver high-quality and sustainable 4-H programs that contribute to Florida 4-H’s organizational goals and operate within the National 4-H Beyond Ready Framework.

Key Responsibilities

Statewide Leadership (60 percent)

• Lead statewide efforts in 4-H Club Development and Program Quality (Priority Work Group 1).
• Enhance the quality, consistency, and sustainability of 4-H clubs through standards, training, mentoring, and curriculum support.
• Develop scalable club models (school-based, after-school, project-based, and community clubs) to increase access and youth engagement.
• Partner with other RSAs and the Volunteer Development/K-12 Educator Development and Youth Development Priority Work Groups to align club practices with statewide growth and impact goals.
• Advance Extension scholarship through applied research and evaluation that not only contributes to the field but also directly supports Florida 4-H’s organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the State 4-H Program Leader, other RSAs, State Specialized Agents, and UF/IFAS Extension Specialists to ensure programming is research-based, data-driven, and consistent statewide.
• Develop creative works such as presentations, publications, digital learning tools, and training modules that advance positive youth development and support county professionals and volunteers.
• Contribute to professional associations, peer networks, and conferences to enhance Florida 4-H’s visibility as a national leader in youth development.
• Seek extramural funding to support innovative programming and agent development.

District Leadership and Faculty Support (40 percent)

• Serve as the primary faculty resource for 4-H in the Central District, providing consultation, coaching, and professional development for county agents.
• Support county Extension agents in program planning, evaluation, volunteer systems, compliance, and conflict resolution.
• Work collaboratively with county faculty to identify and resolve challenges early, promoting effective problem-solving and minimizing the need for escalation.
• Coordinate and deliver professional development for 4-H agents to strengthen capacity and align local programs with statewide goals.
• Foster a positive, productive, and collaborative professional culture among Central District 4-H agents.

Why Join UF/IFAS 4-H

UF/IFAS 4-H offers an environment of innovation, collaboration, and purpose. Joining this team means contributing to one of the nation’s premier youth development organizations, recogn