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 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 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.

As a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work to address the priorities established in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan that are relevant to Walton County and that support the UF/IFAS Extension Pathway. This position is permanent-status accruing and full-time. We are seeking 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%). Applications from any qualified agent currently appointed to serve in Walton County will also be accepted regardless of subject matter responsibilities.

What you will do:

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Walton County in the Florida panhandle to conduct education to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change associated with coastal communities and environments. 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 commercial industries such as boating, marinas, and other fishing-related businesses, coastal community resilience and stewardship; nature-based recreation and tourism; water quality; coastal ecosystem health and restoration; workforce development; protected and invasive marine species; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. 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 Walton 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 Walton County marine advisory committee to obtain 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 Walton County and local stakeholders.
• Participate in the annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.
• Adapt Florida Sea Grant signature programs to address county needs.
• Contribute to and/or lead collaborative Sea Grant funding opportunities.

As a County Extension Director, you will:

• Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county faculty and staff members.
• Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Walton County program, including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Walton County.
• Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Walton County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
• Collaborate with Walton 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 Walton County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
• Adhere to all University of Florida and Walton 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 Walton County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.

Further information:

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

Walton County, Florida, is located along the Emerald Coast in the northwestern part of the state, with its southern boundary on the Gulf of Mexico. The county seat is DeFuniak Springs. Walton County covers a total area of approximately 1,240 square miles, including 1,038 square miles of land and 202 square miles of water, reflecting a landscape rich in coastal resources and natural beauty. As of the 2023 population estimate, the county is home to about 86,354 residents and is part of the larger Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin metropolitan region. The UF/IFAS Extension presence in Walton County includes two locations: the main office in DeFuniak Springs and a coastal branch in Santa Rosa Beach, ensuring accessible educational support across this geographically diverse county.

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 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 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.