Extension Agent -III, Agriculture; Livestock

Position: Extension Agent I-III, Agriculture (Livestock)
Classification

Title:

EXT AGENT I-III

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

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

Job Description:

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  or the Florida Relay System at  (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

The Opportunity

This 12-month permanent status accruing position serves as an Extension Agent I, II, or III with a primary focus on agriculture, emphasizing livestock production systems. The agent is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating comprehensive Extension programs that address the needs of beef cattle, small ruminants, poultry, and equine producers and pasture and small farm management in Highlands County. At least 5% of the candidates time will be devoted to 4-H Youth Development.

Program Development and Delivery

* Design and implement educational programs focused on beef cattle management, forage systems, herd health, nutrition, and reproductive efficiency.

* Translate university research into practical recommendations through workshops, field days, on-farm demonstrations, and producer consultations.

* Incorporate applied research and demonstrations to address local production challenges and emerging issues affecting the livestock industry.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

* Build and maintain strong relationships with livestock producers, agricultural organizations, allied industry partners, and local agencies.

* Collaborate with other UF IFAS Extension faculty, regional specialists, and university researchers to strengthen program delivery and impact.

* Support county and regional agricultural initiatives aligned with UF IFAS Extension priorities.

Evaluation and Professional Development

* Conduct needs assessments and evaluate program outcomes to document educational impact.

* Maintain required reports and records in accordance with UF IFAS Extension guidelines.

* Participate in ongoing professional development consistent with the rank of Extension Agent I or II.

About UF

The University of Florida is recognized as one of the nation's leading public research universities, with a strong record of academic excellence, scientific innovation, and public service. As a land‑grant institution, UF carries the responsibility of addressing statewide needs through research, teaching, and outreach. Its mission is built on improving the lives of Floridians through evidence‑based solutions and high‑impact educational programs.

Faculty benefit from robust institutional support, access to advanced research resources, and opportunities to collaborate across multiple disciplines to address issues that matter to Florida's residents and industries.

About IFAS

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is a cornerstone of the University of Florida, integrating teaching, research, and Extension to advance agriculture, natural resources, and human well-being. Through its statewide presence, IFAS connects university-based science to real-world application, supporting Florida's agricultural producers, families, and communities with practical, research-based education.

About IFAS Extension

UF IFAS Extension is the public outreach arm of IFAS, delivering nonformal education through a unique federal, state, and county partnership. Extension professionals work directly with residents, producers, and local organizations to solve problems, build skills, and strengthen local economies. With offices in every Florida county, UF IFAS Extension plays a vital role in sustaining agriculture, protecting natural resources, and improving quality of life.

Employees enjoy a robust benefits package, details of which can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

About Highlands County

Highlands County is in south-central Florida and is characterized by its rolling ridges, extensive pasture lands, and strong agricultural heritage. The county spans a large geographic area and supports a population of more than 100,000 residents, with growth centered around communities such as Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Historically, Highlands County has been shaped by citrus production and cattle ranching, both of which remain central to the local economy.

Livestock agriculture is a dominant industry, with cow-calf operations, forage-based systems, and supporting agribusinesses playing a critical role in land use and economic stability. The county also contains numerous lakes and environmentally sensitive areas, requiring producers to balance productivity with responsible land management. The UF IFAS Extension Highlands County office serves as a trusted source of science-based education, supporting ranchers, landowners, and agricultural professionals through applied research, demonstrations, and direct technical…