Extension Agent II-III - Environmental Horticulture

Classification Title:

EXT AGENT II-III

Classification Minimum Requirements: Candidates shall hold a master's degree or 50% of hours completed towards a master's degree along with qualifying experience or 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 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

The Opportunity

This 12-month, permanent-status accruing Extension Agent II-III position provides leadership for Environmental Horticulture programming in Broward County and reports directly to the County Extension Director. The successful candidate will develop, implement, deliver, and evaluate a UF/IFAS Extension Pathway Initiative 4 aligned environmental education program to serve landscape professionals, arborists, nursery operators, municipal employees, property managers, pest management professionals, youth audiences (5% programmatic appointment), and other green industry stakeholders.

The agent will identify community and industry needs then deliver impactful educational programs and services that address emerging issues affecting Broward County''''s green industry sector while promoting environmental stewardship, urban forest sustainability, and responsible resource management.

Environmental Horticulture Program Development and Delivery

• Develop and implement a comprehensive environmental horticulture Extension program based on stakeholder needs, county priorities, and statewide Extension Pathway statewide action plans.
• Deliver educational workshops, demonstrations, field days, webinars, certification training, and technical assistance programs.
• Prepare fact sheets, newsletters, digital resources, social media content, and other educational materials.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and document outcomes and impacts in accordance with Extension reporting requirements.
• Utilize innovative technologies and educational methods to expand program reach and effectiveness.

Green-Industry Best Management Practices

• Provide leadership in Green Industries Best Management Practices education, outreach and testing for certification.
• Conduct training programs focused on nutrient management, irrigation efficiency, integrated pest management, and environmental compliance.
• Promote practices that improve landscape performance while protecting water quality and natural resources.
• Collaborate with industry professionals and regulatory agencies to encourage adoption of science-based management practices.

Urban Forestry and Tree Management

• Develop and deliver educational programs related to tree selection, planting, pruning, maintenance, risk reduction, and storm resilience.
• Promote proper tree trimming standards and arboricultural best practices.
• Assist municipalities, landscape professionals, and arborists in addressing urban forestry issues.
• Support initiatives that enhance Broward County's urban forest health, sustainability, and resilience.

Invasive Species Management

• Develop educational programs addressing invasive plant identification, prevention, monitoring, and management.
• Promote integrated management strategies that protect native ecosystems and urban landscapes.
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state partners to address invasive species concerns and emerging threats.

Partnerships, Leadership, and Administration

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with industry organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and community groups.
• Facilitate advisory group participation to determine educational needs and service gaps.
• Participate in county, district, and statewide Extension Initiative Teams
• Seek external support, sponsorships, and collaborative funding opportunities that enhance program capacity.
• Incorporate youth education and career awareness opportunities into programming activities, with youth engagement representing a minimum of five percent of the appointment.
• Prepare annual reporting, impact summaries, and other administrative documents as required.

Supervision

• Directly supervise at least one Program Assistant.
• Provide leadership, performance coaching, work planning, and professional development opportunities to Program Assistant.
• Coordinate support activities that ensure effective program delivery and customer service.

Working Conditions

The position requires a combination of office, classroom, and field-based responsibilities. A significant portion of the assignment involves conducting educational programs, demonstrations, and site visits in outdoor settings throughout Broward County. Candidates should be comfortable working in South Florida environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, direct sunlight, rain, and exposure to insects and other natural elements. The position requires the ability to walk on uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, and transport educational materials and equipment necessary for program delivery. Travel within the county and occasional travel elsewhere in Florida will be required.

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. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the University of Florida is committed to addressing critical societal challenges through innovation, scholarship, and community engagement. The university provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to contribute to meaningful work that improves lives locally, nationally, and globally.

About UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension is the statewide outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Through county Extension offices, research and education centers, and statewide program teams, UF/IFAS Extension delivers research-based information and educational programs that help individuals, businesses, communities, and governments make informed decisions. Extension professionals serve as trusted resources, translating university research into practical applications that address agricultural, environmental, economic, and social issues affecting Florida's residents.

UF/IFAS Extension reaches communities throughout Florida by providing educational leadership in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, family and consumer sciences, sustainability, water resources, and community development. Extension programs are developed through stakeholder input and are designed to create measurable impacts that improve quality of life, strengthen industries, and support environmental stewardship.

Extension professionals work collaboratively with local governments, industry organizations, schools, nonprofit partners, and residents to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions. Educational efforts include workshops, demonstrations, consultations, field days, online training, publications, applied research, and technical assistance programs.

This position provides a unique opportunity to serve one of Florida's largest and most dynamic urban green industry markets. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting green industry professionals, municipalities, arborists, landscape contractors, and other stakeholders through science-based education focused on sustainable landscape management and natural resource protection.

The University of Florida offers a competitive compensation package and excellent benefits. Information regarding employee benefits is available at UF Benefits.

About Broward County

Broward County is located in southeastern Florida between Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and encompasses approximately 1,323 square miles. With a population exceeding two million residents, Broward is one of Florida's most populous counties and includes 31 municipalities ranging from highly urbanized coastal communities to western areas adjacent to the Everglades.

The county supports a substantial urban horticulture industry that includes landscape maintenance companies, arboriculture firms, municipal parks departments, golf courses, nurseries, property management organizations, and environmental consulting businesses. Year-round growing conditions create significant opportunities for the green industry while also presenting challenges associated with tropical pests, invasive species, water conservation, fertilizer management, urban forestry, and hurricane preparedness.

UF/IFAS Extension Broward County maintains strong partnerships with local governments, state agencies, industry associations, schools, environmental organizations, and community groups. The county's urban landscape, extensive tree canopy, and environmental resources provide exceptional opportunities for innovative Extension programming that supports both economic vitality and environmental sustainability.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree in environmental Horticulture, Horticultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Agriculture, or a closely related field. Applicants with at least 50 percent completion toward a master's degree may be considered for appointment at the Extension Agent II level in accordance with university requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture, nursery management, landscape management, arboriculture, or related green industry disciplines.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating educational, outreach, training, or technical assistance programs.
• Knowledge of landscape best management practices, nursery production, irrigation principles, nutrient management, and environmental stewardship.
• Knowledge of tree care, pruning standards, urban forestry, and arboriculture concepts.
• Knowledge of invasive species identification and management principles.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with stakeholder groups and partner organizations.
• Experience using technology and digital communication tools for educational programming, reporting and evaluation.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and communicate program outcomes and impacts.
• Ability to supervise support personnel and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to obtain a valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the county and state as required.
• Because youth engagement will comprise at least five percent of the appointment, successful completion and maintenance of applicable UF youth protection requirements, including Level 2 DCF screening, is required.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to the University of Florida''''s core values.

The successful candidate must obtain and maintain the appropriate Pesticide Applicator license and Green Industry/Best Management Practices certification.

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree in Horticulture, Environmental Horticulture, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Plant Sciences, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline for applicants seeking appointment at the Extension Agent III level.
• Experience working with Florida's landscape, nursery, arboriculture, or green industry sectors.
• Experience delivering Green Industries Best Management Practices training programs.
• Experience conducting arboriculture, urban forestry, tree risk management, or storm preparedness education.
• Experience implementing invasive species management or environmental stewardship initiatives.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, or coordinating volunteers.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, or external funding.
• Experience developing partnerships with municipalities, homeowner associations, industry groups, schools, and youth-serving organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.
• Experience using evaluation methods to measure program effectiveness and impact.

Professional certifications such as International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification are highly desirable and will strengthen the candidate's ability to serve Broward County's green industry clientele. Special Instructions to Applicants:

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicant's interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Health Assessment Required: No