Academic Advisor II - Plant Science Major; PLS

Job No: 539953

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Academic Advising/Support, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department:  - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Academic Advisor II for the Plant Science Major (PLS) and affiliated departmental minors. Primary responsibilities include marketing for PLS, recruiting undergraduate students, and supporting administrative duties to advance the program.

• Master's degree in education, counseling, or an academic field related to the college and one year of relevant experience
• OR Bachelor's degree in a similar field with two years of relevant experience

• Advise students regarding academic requirements, policies, campus resources, and class selection aligned with their career aspirations.
• Hold one‑on‑one meetings to select minors/certificates, address degree issues, prepare students for graduation, and support career goals.
• Perform degree tracking and coursework verification for all PLS students, confirming eligibility for graduation.
• Oversee students on probation and collaborate with faculty to prepare deficit‑point recovery plans.
• Process student petitions, change‑of‑major, double‑major requests, and conduct degree verification audits as per UF and college deadlines.
• Collaborate with off‑campus academic coordinators and advisors for the statewide program and serve as the record keeper for all PLS info and student records.
• Conduct orientation/preview sessions for transfer students majoring in Plant Science and serve as a preview advisor if needed.
• Serve as the primary point of communication for PLS students, sharing weekly updates and opportunities.
• Work with the PLS Director on problem‑solving and decision‑making concerning student academic issues; work with the Steering Committee to collect data on program successes and stress points to improve advising processes.

• Assist the PLS Director and Steering Committee with developing the annual recruitment plan, budget, and collateral materials in collaboration with the CALS Dean’s office and core program departments.
• Prepare and process marketing materials and documents related to PLS and major courses; coordinate on‑campus tours and introductions for prospective students.
• Attend career fairs, trade group meetings, and visit 2‑year colleges and high schools to share presentations and promote PLS statewide; plan and manage on‑campus recruitment activities, work with industry and advisory groups, and give presentations to interested groups and clubs.
• Develop content for inclusion on websites, Instagram, and newsletters for PLS and collaborating departments; share information via social media channels.
• Attend or assist with college events such as the CALS Kickoff, Welcome Brunch, TailGATOR, Campus Tours, Majors and Minors Fair, Commencements, etc.

• Assist with activities of the Plant Science Committee and PLS Director as needed.
• Work with PLS‑collaborating departmental course schedulers to monitor and communicate about all PLS‑related courses; keep course‑tracking spreadsheets updated.
• Prepare reports for the PLS, such as Student Academic Assessment outcomes.
• Maintain contact data for potential employers, UF PLS alumni, and relevant campus stakeholders to provide internship opportunities.
• Document and track incoming students across all statewide program locations to ensure they are matched with Faculty Mentors and receive needed support.
• Assist with managing the Plant Science Ambassadors student club.

• Assist collaborating departments with scholarship award and recognition nominations for all PSM students.
• Communicate scholarship opportunities to PLS students and assist scholarship committees with student information.
• Prepare annual nominations for CALS student awards.
• Oversee record keeping of all scholarships, awards, and recognitions for PLS students.

• Assist with preparation of recruitment videos, student recruitment studies, funding proposal preparation for recruitment, scholarships, special…