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University of Florida; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida is seeking a permanent‑status Extension Agent to lead a countywide 4‑H Youth Development program. The role focuses on developing youth leadership, workforce readiness, and life skills, with collaboration across counties and statewide program teams.

Responsibilities include delivering research‑based programming, recruiting volunteers, and securing partnerships to expand reach while maintaining program quality and youth safety.

Qualifications

• Ability to plan, organize, teach, and evaluate non-formal educational programs.
• Willingness to travel within the county and occasionally within the state.
• Strong leadership and staff development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive countywide 4‑H program serving diverse youth audiences.
• Deliver programming through clubs, schools, afterschool programs, camps, and special events.
• Recruit, train, and support 4‑H volunteers while ensuring compliance with youth protection policies.
• Collaborate with county Extension colleagues and statewide teams to align priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Positive youth development

Make a Statewide Impact. Lead Youth Development. Shape the Future.

The Role

As a permanent‑status, 12‑month faculty member with UF/IFAS Extension, you will:

• Lead a countywide 4‑H Youth Development program aligned with statewide priorities
• Influence positive youth development at scale
• Build leadership, workforce readiness, and life skills in the next generation
• Collaborate across counties and with statewide program teams
• Operate with autonomy while supported by a strong institutional network

This position offers the stability of a permanent faculty appointment combined with the entrepreneurial opportunity to grow and shape programs that directly impact youth, families, and communities.

There are current openings in Madison and Brevard counties. Express interest today.

The Extension Agent will design and deliver a dynamic, research‑based, countywide 4‑H Youth Development Program aligned with Florida 4‑H Priorities, including:

• Positive youth development
• Volunteer systems
• Workforce readiness
• Strategic program growth

Programming emphasis will be shaped by both community needs and individual expertise, allowing the agent to leverage personal strengths while meeting local priorities.

Core Focus Areas

• Agriculture
• Healthy Living
• Leadership
• STEM

Qualities and Core Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Delivery
  • Lead a comprehensive countywide 4‑H program serving various youth audiences
  • Deliver programming through multiple formats:
    • 4‑H clubs
    • In‑school and afterschool programs
    • State camps and conferences
    • Limited day camps
    • Special interest programs
  • Ensure programming is research‑based, measurable, and aligned with UF/IFAS priorities
• Volunteer & Staff Leadership
  • Recruit, screen, train, and support 4‑H volunteers
  • Maintain compliance with youth protection and risk management policies
  • Supervise and support program assistants (when applicable)
• Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Build and sustain strategic partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, local government, youth‑serving entities, and private sector organizations
  • Engage advisory committees and key stakeholders to guide program planning
  • Expand participation and increase program reach
• Collaboration & Statewide Engagement
  • Work closely with county Extension colleagues
  • Contribute to multi‑county and statewide 4‑H initiatives
  • Align efforts with state program teams
• Resource Development & Communication
  • Develop outreach and communication strategies to promote 4‑H programs
  • Secure external funding through grants and sponsorships
  • Document program outcomes and impact for county and UF/IFAS leadership

Why Join Our Team?

At University of Florida, you will be part of a nationally recognized land‑grant institution dedicated to research, teaching, and Extension. Through UF/IFAS, your work will directly translate research into real‑world impact — empowering youth to become healthy, productive, and engaged adults.

Extension Agent roles with UF/IFAS offer:

• Faculty Status & Career Stability – 12‑month, permanent status accruing appointment
• Program Leadership & Autonomy – Lead and shape a comprehensive countywide program
• Statewide Visibility – Collaborate across counties and contribute to state‑level initiatives
• Community Impact – Directly influence youth development outcomes
• Program Design Flexibility – Align programming with your expertise
• Professional Growth – Engage in cross‑county initiatives, advisory leadership, and grant development

Total Rewards

The University of Florida provides a competitive benefits package designed to support employee well‑being and career development. Faculty members in county Extension roles serve as trusted educators, advisors, and community partners committed to meeting local needs with research‑driven programs and high professional standards.

Minimum Requirements

This recruitment will establish a pool of candidates for the Extension Agent job family. Placement at Level I, II, III, or IV will be based on the candidate’s education, experience, and documented professional accomplishments.

• A valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation
• A Florida Department of Children and Families Level 2 background screening is required

Minimum Qualifications by Level:

• Extension Agent I (000439): Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and/or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and accomplishments.
• Extension Agent II (000437): Candidates shall hold a master’s degree or 50% of hours completed toward a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.
• Extension Agent III (000434): Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and qualifying experience or accomplishments; evidence of creative work, professional writing, or applied extension research.
• Extension Agent IV (000430): Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and qualifying experience or accomplishments; statewide recognition for educational programs; creative work, professional writing, or applied extension research of high quality.

Key Qualifications & Ideal Characteristics

• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and follow through on tasks promptly and professionally.
• A strong work ethic, effective time‑management skills, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to plan, organize, teach, and evaluate non‑formal educational programs.
• Ability to recruit, train, and support volunteers while maintaining adherence to youth protection standards.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet program needs.
• Ability to travel within the county and occasionally within the state for programming and professional obligations.
• The 4‑H Youth Development program area has no required certifications.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.

Ready to take the next step? Express interest now!