County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Sea Grant

CED & Ext Agent II - IV

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 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 .

We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Franklin County seek to fill a permanent-status accruing, full-time Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED; 25-35%). The educational responsibilities of the CED/Agent encompass strong leadership with respect to Sea Grant/Marine Science (65-75%).

What you will do:

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent and County Extension Director (CED), you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Franklin County in the Florida panhandle. We are looking for an individual that is a self-starting, energetic, and team-oriented leader.

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent you will:

• Plan, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on comprehensive marine and natural resource extension and education programs addressing issues of importance to local stakeholders. Programs will emphasize marine recreational and commercial fisheries and associated industries such as shellfish aquaculture, boating, marinas, and other fishing-related businesses. Stakeholders include marine and coastal resource users, marine management agencies, local government, public and private organizations and educational institutions, and other public adult and youth audiences.
• Develop extension programs and activities that facilitate the transfer of science and science-based tools, technologies and information created from Florida Sea Grant (FSG) research programming to the residents, businesses and communities in Franklin County, including in partnership with key stakeholder associations and organizations. These programs should meet the priorities of FSG as summarized in FSG’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with various marine and coastal businesses, resource and water education user groups, and other stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison to marine and natural resource management agencies, as well as public and private organizations, aqua-culturists, and educational institutions.
• Create, develop, and confer with a Franklin County marine advisory committee to provide local guidance, ensuring that the local Sea Grant program is relevant with a high level of stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with agencies and other partners to respond effectively and efficiently to priority coastal issues.
• Participate in at least one Florida Sea Grant work action group (WAG) and contribute to regional and statewide extension education programs that are relevant to Franklin County and local stakeholders.
• Participate in the annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.

As a County Extension Director, you will:

• Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county staff members.
• Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Franklin County including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Franklin County.
• Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Franklin County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
• Collaborate with Franklin County government, administration, and staff and UF/IFAS Extension faculty, staff, and administration.
• Collaborate with community leaders, government agencies, stakeholders, and media.
• Develop, lead, and sustain an informed overall UF/IFAS Extension Franklin County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
• Adhere to all University of Florida and Franklin County government policies and procedures and provide leadership to faculty and staff for management of all program components.
• Collaborate with the District Extension Director and CEDs to strengthen outcomes and impacts of UF/IFAS Extension across the Northwest District.
• As requested, assume other responsibilities to benefit the total UF/IFAS Extension program and Franklin County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.

Further information:

Faculty in the Franklin County Extension Office with CED qualifications are eligible to apply.

Employment is contingent on the results of both a local and a national background screening.

Franklin County, Florida, located along the Gulf Coast in the Panhandle, spans approximately 545 square miles and is known for its scenic coastal landscapes and small-town charm. As of 2025, the county has an estimated population of around 12,798. The local economy is modest, with a median household income of $62,734 and a poverty rate of 17.3%. Tourism, fishing, and small businesses play key roles in the economic landscape, supported by the county’s natural resources and historic towns like Apalachicola. Franklin County remains a quiet, rural community with a low population density and a strong sense of local identity.

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 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.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to possess or be able to obtain a Florida driver’s license.
• Flexibility with working hours, willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

• Previous CED experience or equivalent.
• Experience in coastal or marine education
• Experience in office operations, budgeting, and grant management.
• A strong commitment to education and leadership in county-level initiatives.
• Technological literacy necessary for communication, marketing, and program management functions.
• Outstanding people management skills (coach, mentor, motivator, etc.).
• Leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity working in political settings.
• Proven ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision, and to engage stakeholders in support of shared goals.
• Evidence of exceptional collaborations, partnerships, and marketing with the public, community leaders, agencies, and media.

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

• Cover letter that describes how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for this position
• Résumé or Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copies of all transcripts (showing coursework) of your academic degrees

The following documents are also required and may either be submitted through the above link at the time of application or sent separately to our office (below).

• Current and Previous Employment Form
• A minimum of 3 reference rating forms from your professional/academic references. Applicants are responsible for sending the rating form link to their references.
  • Reference forms will be kept on file for 1 year and will be automatically used with any of our extension agent positions you apply for during that time.

Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of application should be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position’s closing date. They may be submitted to:

UF IFAS Human Resources
Faculty Recruitment and Hiring
P O Box 110281
Gainesville, FL 32611-0281

ifas-hr@ifas.ufl.edu

Fax: (352) 392-3226

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.