Technical Support:

Work with partners from Chemicals in the Environment, Residential Horticulture, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ programs and county Extension staff to identify, plan and implement programs. Serve as a technical professional and educator on the following topics: turfgrass issues, plant nutrient and disease diagnostics, soil health, chemical application methods, irrigation systems, pruning, and calibration, commercial nursery production best practices, arborist best practices, landscape water conservation efforts, among others. Maintain ongoing expertise on newly emerged pests and diseases, as well as plant cultivars, new pesticide and fertilizer chemistries, and updates to landscaping best management practices (BMPs), technical skills for landscaping or nursery work, worker safety, and the production and management of commercial horticulture enterprises. Provide technical guidance and answer questions on those topics from professional horticulture audiences, HOA committee members, and volunteers at the Plant Clinic. Technical support services will also include evaluating samples, diagnostic services, site visits/ consultations, phone, email, and in-person contacts.

Educational Programs and Materials:

Create and deliver educational programs and materials on areas of commercial horticulture technical expertise and hands-on practices and skills listed above. Educational strategies will include in-person workshops and trainings, and virtual education such as webinars, and development of educational materials such as videos, social media, eNewsletters, presentations, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, etc. Support UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County faculty and staff in their delivery of training programs and materials geared toward industry professionals, including but not limited to the Green Industries Best Management Program (GI-BMP), Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certification Program, Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program, pesticide exam review classes, and irrigation. Collaborate with the agents to maintain educational and outreach partnerships with industry associations, local growers, Sarasota County and other local municipalities, government agencies, other internal and external stakeholders, and Extension faculty colleagues to deliver cooperative and interdisciplinary projects. Collaboration will be essential to the continued success of the program. Engage with these stakeholders regularly to assess and respond to needs.

Administration and Reporting:

Facilitate the administrative steps necessary for approval, ongoing maintenance, and delivery of relevant continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals. Groups that require CEUs include FNGLA, FDACS, ISA, landscape architects, community association managers, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ certified professionals. Support agents’ efforts to seek appropriate grants and other revenue to grow the program. Support the agents in tracking program metrics and implementing evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness. Complete reporting requirements as needed by the county and UF.  Serve in an emergency role as assigned during natural disasters and other emergencies.

Demonstration Gardens:

Support the Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteers in developing and maintaining demonstration gardens and conducting programs and activities there. Support management of the onsite greenhouse to maximize its benefit to the staff, volunteers, and community. Will be required to drive to different stakeholder and demonstration sites.

Relevant experience in horticulture or a related field with emphasis in landscape plant maintenance, ornamental plant pathology, turfgrass science, agronomy, environmental sciences, or a related field

Technical expertise in plant installation, diagnostic skills, soil and fertilizer management, tree management, turf management, and water quality and conservation as they relate to the landscape industry. Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) will be critical to address the educational needs of commercial horticulture clientele

4 years of experience in landscaping industry

Familiarity with local, state, and federal pesticide and landscaping licensing and regulatory requirements

Self-starting, energetic, and team oriented

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, industry, media, and agency partners

Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness

Good organizational and time management skills and a commitment to responsiveness; Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations

Ability to establish solid partnerships and work in teams

Ability to use information technology and apply social media to Extension work

Certified Florida Horticulture Professional

Certified in the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program

Practical experience in Extension, teaching, and training

Experience with diagnostic tools, such as microscopes, and soil testing equipment

Experience in greenhouse or nursery production

Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) 

May require standing for prolonged periods of time both indoors and/or working outside.

POLICY MAKING AND/OR INTERPRETATION:

Received: This position is expected to function in an independent manner and self-direct the work of the position. This position exercises independence and initiative in completing assignments and receives general administrative direction. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and conformance with prescribed policies and procedures.

Exercised: This position will not supervise other positions.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: