CTY EXT DIR & EXT AGENT II - IV OR PRG EXT AGENT II - IV

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

You Belong at a University That’s Leading the Way

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.

The Opportunity

This position serves as both an Extension Agent/Program Extension Agent and County Extension Director, providing research-based education in a programmatic area of need within the county while overseeing county Extension operations. The appointment may be filled as either an Extension Agent or Program Extension Agent at the II–IV level, based on qualifications. The assigned program area will be determined based on the successful candidate's expertise. For a non-4-H program assignment, at least 5% of the time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.

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.

Assignment and Programmatic Focus

This position is structured with a 75% administrative and leadership assignment and a 25% programmatic assignment.

Administrative and Leadership Responsibilities (75%)

• Serve as County Extension Director, providing leadership and oversight for all UF IFAS Extension operations in Collier County
• Direct countywide Extension planning, priority setting, and program accountability in alignment with county needs and UF IFAS Extension goals
• Supervise and support Extension faculty and staff, including performance management, professional development, and workplace coordination
• Manage county Extension budgets, facilities, and operational resources in partnership with county government and the University of Florida
• Serve as the primary liaison to county government, advisory committees, and key community partners
• Ensure compliance with university policies, fiscal requirements, reporting expectations, and professional standards

Programmatic Responsibilities (25%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programming in the programmatic area of assignment for the candidate.
• Maintain an advisory committee with appropriate community representation and advocating for Extension in the community.

This position requires strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, along with the ability to translate research into practical solutions that strengthen communities and local economies.

About UF

The University of Florida is one of the nation’s leading public land‑grant institutions, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and service. As Florida’s flagship university, UF plays a critical role in addressing the state’s most pressing challenges through science‑based solutions, workforce development, and community engagement.

About IFAS

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is the land‑grant arm of the University of Florida and integrates research, education, and Extension to support Florida’s people, environment, and economy. Faculty and staff work across counties, research centers, and campuses to translate university knowledge into practical applications that strengthen communities and industries statewide.

About IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension serves as the outreach and engagement component of the land‑grant mission, delivering non‑formal education programs in partnership with counties and local stakeholders. Extension faculty provide leadership in community development, economic vitality, natural resources, agriculture, youth development, and family well‑being. Extension professionals are recognized as community educators, facilitators, and conveners who connect research to real‑world decision making. Competitive benefits are available and described at https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/.

About Collier County

Collier County is in southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast and encompasses more than 2,300 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state by land area. The county includes coastal, urban, suburban, and rural communities and is home to more than 417,000 residents (2025 estimates), with steady population growth driven by in‑migration, tourism, and economic opportunity. Naples serves as the county seat and a regional economic hub, while Immokalee and surrounding areas support important agricultural and workforce communities.

The county’s economy is anchored by tourism, construction, real estate, agriculture, and small business development. Agricultural production includes vegetables, citrus, ornamental plants, and cattle, contributing significantly to the local and regional economy. Extensive conservation lands, coastal resources, and environmental stewardship priorities shape land‑use and community planning efforts throughout the county. UF/IFAS Extension Collier County serves as a trusted educational partner to county government, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders.

Commensurate with education and experience. 

• A master’s degree in horticulture, natural resources, youth development, community development, public administration, agriculture education and communication or a closely related field appropriate to the level of appointment.
• For County Extension Director appointment, applicants must hold Extension Agent II or equivalent or Program Extension Agent II or equivalent, at minimum
• Ability to work effectively with local government, community organizations, and business stakeholders.
• Proven skills in program development, evaluation, and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a county and statewide Extension team.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

• Demonstrated success in county-level or multi-unit leadership, including supervision of professional and support staff, performance management, mentoring, and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence within an Extension or public service organization.
• Proven experience in organizational administration, including budget development and oversight, fiscal accountability, facilities coordination, and implementation of university, county, and Extension policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Evidence of excellence in applied research translation, program evaluation, and impact reporting, including the ability to communicate outcomes effectively to county officials, stakeholders, and funding partners.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in facilitation, conflict management, and consensus-building across complex community and organizational environments.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred, reflecting the linguistic needs of Collier County residents and stakeholders.

Applicants with prior Extension experience, particularly those who have served in progressively responsible leadership roles or who have experience integrating administrative leadership with applied community-based programming, are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.