Polk-Hillsborough) Extension Agent I - IV - Commercial Citrus, Multi-County

Position: (Polk-Hillsborough) Extension Agent I - IV - Commercial Citrus, Multi-County
Classification

Title:

Ext Agent I - IV

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field. A master's degree is desired but not required if hired at Extension Agent I level.

Job Description:

You Belong at a University that's Leading the Way

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. 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 .

University of Florida IFAS Extension and Polk County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Citrus Extension Agent position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. As the agent you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive Citrus Extension program. The focus areas include teaching the most effective strategies of citrus production by interpreting and applying current science and technology in the field.

Areas of expertise include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies;
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and conservation; environmental stewardship in agricultural production; supporting sustainability of economic viability of citrus production; and other related topics.

In this role, you will:

* Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of innovative citrus education programs that address emerging industry needs and support grower success.

* Reinforce agricultural and horticultural best management best practices by providing training focused on water quality protection, conservation, and sustainable production systems.

* Serve as a trusted technical resource for citrus pest management, delivering science-based guidance on insects, mites, diseases, and weed control strategies.

* Design and distribute engaging educational experiences through consultations, workshops, seminars, field demonstrations, clinics, live streams, and virtual learning platforms tailored to stakeholder needs.

* Create high-impact educational and outreach materials, including multimedia presentations, fact sheets, abstracts, and other scholarly and professional communications.

* Secure external funding and program resources by pursuing grants, sponsor ships, awards, and revenue-generating opportunities that expand program reach and impact.

* Enhance workforce safety and regulatory compliance by providing agricultural worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.

* Support professional development within the agricultural community by offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors and other industry leaders.

* Utilize emerging technologies and digital tools to improve program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and field-based problem solving.

* Cultivate strong partnerships by facilitating an active stakeholder advisory committee that helps identify priorities and shape impactful programming.

* Provide production and management support for citrus growers while also addressing educational needs related to alternative fruit and specialty crop systems in the region.

* Demonstrate leadership in youth agricultural education by supporting and advancing 4-H citrus and fruit crop development programs.

* Contribute technical expertise to Master Gardener Volunteer training, strengthening community horticulture education and outreach efforts.

* Drive interdisciplinary collaboration across Extension programs, partnering with other agents to expand agricultural awareness, strengthen community engagement, and increase visibility of local Extension initiatives.

Your office will be located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL.

Note:

This position will have a mandatory "division essential" role in times of emergency. In Polk County, this role includes initial damage assessments for growers and may include recovery efforts in support of agriculture producers.

Further information:

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a dynamic and highly impactful team of Extension educators and staff serving the county's communities and agriculture industry. Areas of programming include commercial agriculture (citrus, livestock); small farms and alternative enterprises; environmental horticulture; natural resources and conservation; residential horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping; the Master Gardener Volunteer program; 4-H Youth Development;
Family and Consumer Sciences; and community development.

Located in west-central Florida, Polk and Hillsborough Counties represent two of the state's most significant agricultural regions and…