SSA & EXT AGENT II-IV

Candidates shall hold a master's degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.

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 Community Resource Development, specializing in Civic Engagement and Leadership Development. This is a 12‑month, 100% Extension appointment. In addition to core State Specialized Extension Agent responsibilities, this role serves as the state contact for Community Resource 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 UF/IFAS Extension will retain this status. The location is negotiable based on office availability and input from UF/IFAS Extension leadership.

Statewide Leadership and Representation

• Serve as the state contact for Community Resource Development, representing UF/IFAS Extension at state, regional, and national meetings and professional associations.
• Provide leadership for statewide civic engagement and leadership development initiatives aligned with UF/IFAS Extension priorities.
• Maintain recognized expertise in civic engagement, leadership development, and community capacity building.

Program Development, Training, and Faculty Support

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of statewide, research-based civic engagement and leadership development programs focused on adult audiences.
• Design and deliver training, curricula, and educational support materials to increase county Extension faculty capacity to deliver priority programs.
• Strengthen county faculty proficiency in civic engagement and leadership activities that enhance community resources and economic development.
• Support county faculty, clientele, and partners through technical assistance, coaching, and professional development.

Scholarship, Research, and Educational Products

• Participate in collaborative applied research projects with Extension Specialists and other faculty.
• Develop scholarly and applied educational materials, including EDIS publications, presentations, curricula, and web‑based or social media tools that support Extension programming.
• Contribute to program impact reporting and documentation of outcomes at the state level.

Collaboration, Funding, and Initiative Engagement

• Work collaboratively with the Associate Dean for Families, Youth and Communities, Program Leaders, State and Regional Specialized Agents, and Extension Specialists.
• Serve as a member of Initiative leadership teams, priority work groups, and action teams relevant to Community Resource Development.
• Secure external funding through grants, contracts, gifts, and revenue‑generating activities to support statewide Extension programs.
• Support marketing and communication efforts for UF/IFAS Extension programs within the assigned area of responsibility.

About UF

The University of Florida is one of the nation’s leading public research universities, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and service. UF serves the people of Florida and beyond by advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing critical societal challenges through education and outreach.

About UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension is the outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and plays a vital role in translating university research into practical, science‑based education for communities across Florida. UF/IFAS Extension works collaboratively with local, regional, and state partners to strengthen communities, support economic vitality, and promote civic capacity through applied education and leadership development.

UF/IFAS Extension professionals deliver impactful programming through county offices, research and education centers, and statewide initiatives. Employees enjoy access to a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Benefits information is available at UF Benefits.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in community development, adult education, agricultural education, or a closely related discipline aligned with one of Extension’s program areas to be hired as a State Specialized Agent II, III or IV. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.

Additional required qualifications include:

• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
• At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
• Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, community groups, agencies, and statewide partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret applied research and develop research-based educational materials.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the ability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
• Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to meet programming requirements.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
• Youth engagement exceeds 5%, so DCF Level 2 background screening will be required.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

• A doctoral degree in community development, leadership studies, adult education, agricultural education, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven success leading statewide civic engagement or leadership development programs, including program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated expertise in deliberative dialogue, facilitation, and participatory engagement approaches, with the ability to develop and deliver programs that apply these strategies effectively.
• Demonstrated experience serving in a statewide or regional leadership role within Extension.
• Documented experience developing and delivering professional development and training for Extension faculty, local government officials, non-profit and for-profit organizations and/or other entities.  
• Demonstrated success securing and managing external funding through grants, contracts, gifts, or fee‑based programming.
• Strong ability to collaborate with academic faculty, Extension leadership, and external partners while representing Extension programs at state, regional, and national levels.

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.