State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV - Food Science; Food Safety Focus

State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV - Food Science (Food Safety Focus)

Job No: 541255

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Polk

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department:  - AG-SSA RSA

SSA & EXT AGENT II-IV

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

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This is a 12-month, permanent status-accruing State Specialized Extension Agent position with statewide responsibilities in Food Science, emphasizing food safety education, regulatory compliance, training, outreach, and industry engagement. The successful candidate will develop and deliver impactful educational programs addressing food safety systems across Florida while collaborating with faculty, industry groups, regulatory agencies, and Extension professionals. This position is located at The Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), in Lake Alfred, Florida.

• Lead statewide educational initiatives addressing food safety challenges within agricultural production, food processing, distribution, transportation, and retail sectors.
• Develop a comprehensive plan of work aligned with University of Florida Extension priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Establish and facilitate advisory committees to identify emerging food safety issues and programming opportunities.
• Provide leadership for statewide Food Science program teams and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Develop measurable program objectives, outcomes, and impact assessments using established Extension programming models.

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs related to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, Preventive Controls for Human Food, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs, and Sanitary Transportation requirements.
• Conduct workshops, short courses, certification trainings, conferences, webinars, and online educational programs.
• Create educational resources including fact sheets, curricula, publications, decision-support tools, and digital content.
• Serve as a recognized resource for food safety information and technical guidance.

• Collaborate with faculty, specialists, Extension professionals, and industry partners on applied research and demonstration projects.
• Facilitate the transfer of research findings into practical recommendations that enhance food safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in projects evaluating science-based food safety interventions, validation studies, variances, and alternate compliance approaches.
• Translate scientific findings into educational materials suitable for stakeholder audiences.

• Develop collaborative relationships with state and federal agencies, commodity groups, food industry organizations, and professional associations.
• Pursue external funding opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
• Serve as project leader for revenue-generating educational initiatives and training programs.
• Promote statewide awareness of program accomplishments through professional presentations, publications, websites, and social media platforms.

• Maintain current expertise in Food Science, food safety regulations, emerging technologies, and…