Extension Agent -III, Commercial Horticulture - Vegetables and Fruit Production

Position: Extension Agent I-III, Commercial Horticulture - Vegetables and Fruit Production
Salary: $38,500.80 - $59,592.00 Annually
Location : Palmetto, FL
Job Type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Job Number: 26-00292
Department: Natural Resources
Division: Agriculture
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Information
Classification title:
Extension Agent I-III, Commercial Horticulture - Vegetables and Fruit Production

Final date to receive applications:
June 21, 2026
Application link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./540025
You Belong at a University That's Leading the Way

The (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  or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit

About UF

The University of Florida is one of the nation's leading public land-grant universities, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and service. UF advances knowledge and innovation to address critical issues facing communities locally and globally, with a strong commitment to applied science and public engagement.

About IFAS

Within UF, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences serves as the state's premier source of scientific expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences. IFAS integrates research, education, and outreach to support Florida's economy, environment, and quality of life. With faculty and staff located throughout the state, IFAS translates university research into practical solutions for real-world challenges.

About IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension is the outreach arm of IFAS and a cooperative partnership among federal, state, and county governments. UF IFAS Extension delivers research-based, non-formal education through offices in all 67 Florida counties. Extension professionals work alongside residents, producers, and community leaders to strengthen agricultural systems, protect natural resources, and support thriving communities. This position offers the opportunity to build trusted relationships and deliver education that results in measurable impacts.

Learn more about UF benefits at:

About Manatee County

Manatee County is located on Florida's central Gulf Coast, south of Tampa Bay and north of Sarasota. The county spans approximately 893 square miles and supports a growing population of more than 475,000 residents. Historically rooted in agriculture, Manatee County continues to maintain a strong production base while experiencing rapid residential and commercial development.

Agriculture remains a vital component of the local economy, with commercial vegetable and fruit operations, small farms, and specialty crop producers operating alongside urban and coastal communities. Key commodities include vegetables, small fruits, and diversified horticultural crops adapted to sandy soils and subtropical conditions. These systems face ongoing challenges related to water quality, nutrient management, pest pressure, labor, and land-use change.

The UF IFAS Extension Manatee County office serves as a hub for agricultural education, technical assistance, and community engagement. The Extension Agent will collaborate with local producers, regional research and education centers, and statewide specialists to ensure programming reflects county needs while supporting sustainable production systems and sound resource stewardship.

The Opportunity

This 12-month, permanent status accruing Extension Agent position will plan, develop, implement, teach, and evaluate comprehensive educational programs in vegetable and fruit production for commercial and small-scale producers in Manatee County. The Extension Agent will address priority needs identified through stakeholder input and an Extension Advisory Committee, delivering applied, research-based education that improves production efficiency, environmental stewardship, and economic viability.

Program Development and Delivery

• Design and conduct educational programs focused on vegetable and fruit production systems, including irrigation management, nutrient management, integrated pest management, water quality protection, and food safety practices.
• Provide on-site technical assistance and diagnostics to producers and agricultural professionals, including sustainable farm systems and specialty crop producers.
• Deliver education through workshops, field days, demonstrations, tours, meetings, conferences, and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with UF IFAS faculty, including research and education center scientists, assisting with trials and on-farm demonstrations to translate findings into practical recommendations and educational materials.
• Coordinate demonstrations relevant to local soils and production conditions.

Partnerships and Accountability

• Develop and maintain an effective Extension Advisory Committee.
• Build partnerships with growers, industry organizations, agencies, and community groups.
• Secure external funding, manage program resources, document impacts, and report outcomes.

Youth Engagement

• Approximately five percent of…