Extension Agent I or II – Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management,
University of Florida

The University of Florida is looking for an Extension Agent I or II – Commercial Horticulture
and Integrated Pest Management.
Job Description
Department: 60354058 - AG-SARASOTA
Job Number: 500717
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Position closes: January 6, 2017
Responsibilities:
 University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Sarasota County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status
accruing Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Agent position. This
position provides leadership, teaching, management, and coordination of a comprehensive and diverse
educational program for the commercial horticultural industry. The successful candidate will design,
plan, implement, evaluate, and report on educational programs emphasizing sustainable landscape
management principles, IPM, reduction of pollutants, and appropriate pesticide/fertilizer use while
maintaining or enhancing water quality and conservation of resources. Audiences may include plant
installation and maintenance companies, homeowner associations, landscape architects, county and
municipal staff, urban and rural businesses and residents, youth, and decision makers.
 Responsibilities will include assessment of industry needs, identification of pathogens and pests,
linkage to UF/IFAS specialists, promotion of Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs),
participation in county and university BMP research as appropriate, and leadership for the Sarasota
County Fertilizer Ordinance-approved BMP Educational Program and the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Pesticide License Training Program. The candidate will
be responsible for the delivery of pesticide training and landscape BMP programs. The agent will
collaborate on the development and maintenance of the extension demonstration landscape. The
candidate may be responsible for staff supervision and budget management.
 The successful candidate will have or gain a working knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and
GI-BMPs to address the educational needs of commercial landscape-related businesses and their
customers. The agent will be responsible for delivering the UF Builder-Developer program, educating
and partnering with landscape architects, property managers, etc. to develop and maintain sustainable
landscapes. Knowledge of the Sustainable Sites Initiative will be valuable. Examples of required
subject matter expertise include plant installation, IPM, diagnostic skills, soil and fertilizer
management, and water quality and conservation as they relate to the landscape industry.
 The agent will be expected to attain permanent status and promotion per UF/IFAS guidelines.
 The successful agent will create an annual plan of work (POW) and a report of accomplishment
(ROA). The agent will work with the program’s advisory committee to analyze county situations,
identify priority issues, establish program budgets, and design and implement a variety of programs to
reach target clientele in the above-mentioned areas. The successful candidate must demonstrate an
ability to work with staff, volunteers, industry, media, and agency partners. The successful candidate
will assume other responsibilities that benefit the total county extension program as assigned by the
County Extension Director and District Extension Director.
 The agent must develop and use an effective client/citizen advisory committee to assess audience
needs and determine program priorities. He or she will be expected to participate in appropriate inservice training (professional development) to stay current in the relevant areas of expertise, be
familiar with county and university initiatives and priorities, and be familiar with related county, state,
and federal regulations. The agent is expected to participate in industry-related professional
organizations.
 FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY: Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and
county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, all partners
are involved in the supervision of the office and contribute to the salary and support resources. The
primary goal of Extension is to disseminate the latest knowledge and applicable technologies in
agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences in order to sustain and enhance the
quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through extension faculty members,
scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67
counties.
 Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not
be scheduled until 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date.
Requirements Qualifications:
 A bachelor's degree is required. An agent hired with a bachelor’s degree only will be expected to make
significant progress towards obtaining a master’s degree within 6 years of employment.
 Familiarity with local, state, and federal pesticide and landscaping licensing requirements.
 Strong people skills and ability to work effectively in teams and with volunteers.
 A responsive, creative, energetic and team-oriented attitude to solving clientele problems is expected.
 Excellent written and oral communication skills.
 Prior to appointment, the successful candidate must pass a physical examination, drug screening, and a
background check.
 Necessary Special Requirements: Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida Driver’s License;
must be in possession of or have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license; must be flexible
and willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
 Experience collaborating on projects and programs, as well as delegating work. This position may have
supervisory responsibility.
 A master’s degree and experience in horticulture or agronomy is preferred.
 Experience supervising staff is preferred.
 Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) is a plus.
How to Apply:
Please apply at http://jobs.ufl.edu, posting # 500717. Applicants are required to complete the online
application with all requested additional documentation.
Additional Information:
Final candidate will be required to provide 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), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and
inclusive faculty and staff.
Job Information
Location: Sarasota, Florida, 34230, United States
Job ID: 31826236
Posted: December 12, 2016
Position Title: Extension Agent I or II - Commercial Horticulture and Integrated Pest Management
Company Name: University of Florida
Job Function: Horticulture/Plant Science, Pest Management
Job Type: Full-Time
Min Education: BA/BS/Undergraduate