Ext Agent I - III

Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and/or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and accomplishments.

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 (UF/IFAS) 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 .

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.

As a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work to address the priorities established in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan that are relevant to Bay County and that support the UF/IFAS Extension Pathway. We are looking for an individual with skills in educating a variety of audiences who will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a marine/coastal issues applied research and education program (95%) and assist with our 4-H Youth Development program (5%). 

What you will do:

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Bay County in the Florida panhandle to conduct education to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change associated with coastal communities and environments.  We are looking for an individual that is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader.

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent you will:

• Plan, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on comprehensive marine and natural resource extension and education programs addressing issues of importance to local stakeholders. Programs will emphasize commercial industries such as boating, marinas, and other fishing-related businesses, coastal community resilience and stewardship; nature-based recreation and tourism; water quality; coastal ecosystem health and restoration; workforce development; protected and invasive marine species; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Stakeholders include marine and coastal resource users, marine management agencies, local government, public and private organizations and educational institutions, and other public adult and youth audiences.
• Develop extension programs and activities that facilitate the transfer of science and science-based tools, technologies and information created from Florida Sea Grant (FSG) research programming to the residents, businesses and communities in Bay County, including in partnership with key stakeholder associations and organizations. These programs should meet the priorities of FSG as summarized in FSG’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with various marine and coastal businesses, resource and water education user groups, and other stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison to marine and natural resource management agencies, as well as public and private organizations, aquaculturists, and educational institutions.
• Create, develop, and confer with a Bay County marine advisory committee to obtain local guidance, ensuring that the local Sea Grant program is relevant with a high level of stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with agencies and other partners to respond effectively and efficiently to priority coastal issues.
• Participate in at least one Florida Sea Grant work action group (WAG) and contribute to regional and statewide extension education programs that are relevant to Bay County and local stakeholders.
• Participate in the annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.
• Adapt Florida Sea Grant signature programs to address county needs.
• Contribute to and/or lead collaborative Sea Grant funding opportunities.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of both a local and a national background screening.

Bay County, Florida, is in the northwestern part of the state, along the Emerald Coast. The county seat is Panama City. Bay County covers a total area of approximately 1,467 square miles, with 759 square miles of land and 708 square miles of water. This includes over 27 miles of coastline, offering beautiful beaches and waterfronts. As of the 2023 estimate, Bay County has a population of around 190,769. The county is part of the Panama City metropolitan area and is known for its vibrant community and scenic beauty.

Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, all partners are involved in the supervision of the office and contribute to the salary and support resources. The primary goal of Extension is to disseminate the latest knowledge and applicable technologies in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through Extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties.

Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not be scheduled until 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline. If hired solely with a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment. Course work completed within the State University System of Florida comes with a tuition waiver.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to possess a Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours, willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline.
• Previous Extension experience or equivalent.
• Experience in coastal or marine education
• A strong commitment to education and leadership in county-level initiatives.
• Technological literacy necessary for communication, marketing, and program management functions.
• Evidence of exceptional collaborations, partnerships, and marketing with the public, community leaders, agencies, and media.

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above 
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.