State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV - Food Science (Food Safety Focus)

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida Extension seeks a State Specialized Extension Agent II‑IV focused on Food Science with a food safety emphasis. Based at CREC in Lake Alfred, you will lead statewide programs, collaborate with industry, regulators, and extension professionals to advance food safety education and compliance.

You will develop and deliver training, outreach, and resources to address FSMA, Produce Safety, and related regulations while guiding applied research and partnerships across Florida.

Qualifications

• Master's degree with qualifying experience or accomplishments.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida and possess a valid Florida driver's license.
• Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Commitment to UF core values.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide educational initiatives addressing food safety challenges across agriculture, processing, distribution, and retail.
• Develop a work plan aligned with UF Extension priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Establish advisory committees to identify emerging food safety issues.
• Provide leadership for statewide Food Science program teams and collaborations.
• Develop measurable objectives and outcomes for program impact.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Master's degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV - Food Science (Food Safety Focus)

Job No: 541255

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Polk

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department: 60358000 - AG-SSA RSA

Job Description

Classification Title:

SSA & EXT AGENT II-IV

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Candidates shall hold 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 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 is a 12-month, permanent status-accruing State Specialized Extension Agent position with statewide responsibilities in Food Science, emphasizing food safety education, regulatory compliance, training, outreach, and industry engagement. The successful candidate will develop and deliver impactful educational programs addressing food safety systems across Florida while collaborating with faculty, industry groups, regulatory agencies, and Extension professionals. This position is located at The Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), in Lake Alfred, Florida.

Statewide Leadership and Program Development

• Lead statewide educational initiatives addressing food safety challenges within agricultural production, food processing, distribution, transportation, and retail sectors.
• Develop a comprehensive plan of work aligned with University of Florida Extension priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Establish and facilitate advisory committees to identify emerging food safety issues and programming opportunities.
• Provide leadership for statewide Food Science program teams and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Develop measurable program objectives, outcomes, and impact assessments using established Extension programming models.

Food Safety Education and Outreach

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs related to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Produce Safety Rule, Preventive Controls for Human Food, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs, and Sanitary Transportation requirements.
• Conduct workshops, short courses, certification trainings, conferences, webinars, and online educational programs.
• Create educational resources including fact sheets, curricula, publications, decision-support tools, and digital content.
• Serve as a recognized resource for food safety information and technical guidance.

Applied Research and Knowledge Transfer

• Collaborate with faculty, specialists, Extension professionals, and industry partners on applied research and demonstration projects.
• Facilitate the transfer of research findings into practical recommendations that enhance food safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in projects evaluating science-based food safety interventions, validation studies, variances, and alternate compliance approaches.
• Translate scientific findings into educational materials suitable for stakeholder audiences.

Partnerships, Grants, and Resource Development

• Develop collaborative relationships with state and federal agencies, commodity groups, food industry organizations, and professional associations.
• Pursue external funding opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.
• Serve as project leader for revenue-generating educational initiatives and training programs.
• Promote statewide awareness of program accomplishments through professional presentations, publications, websites, and social media platforms.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current expertise in Food Science, food safety regulations, emerging technologies, and Extension methodologies.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional support to county and regional Extension personnel.
• Maintain accurate reporting, documentation, fiscal stewardship, and risk-management practices consistent with university policies.

About UF

The University of Florida is one of the nation’s premier land‑grant institutions and is consistently recognized among the top public universities in the United States. Through its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, the University creates solutions to complex challenges facing Florida, the nation, and the world. Faculty and staff contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and public engagement while helping fulfill the university’s mission of transforming lives through education and discovery.

About UF/IFAS Extension

University of Florida Extension is the outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, connecting university research with communities across Florida. Through a statewide network of county Extension offices, research and education centers, faculty, specialists, staff, and volunteers, Extension delivers research‑based educational programs that support agriculture, youth development, families, natural resources, community development, and environmental stewardship. Extension professionals serve as trusted sources of information who help residents, industries, and policymakers make informed decisions that improve quality of life and strengthen Florida’s economy.

Extension faculty collaborate closely with researchers, local governments, industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies to identify emerging issues and develop educational solutions. Through innovative programming, applied research, digital engagement, and community partnerships, Extension professionals help ensure that scientific discoveries are translated into practical applications that benefit Florida’s citizens.

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement programs, paid leave, professional development opportunities, wellness resources, and work-life support services. Additional information regarding employee benefits can be found on the University of Florida Human Resources Benefits website: UF Benefits.

Joining University of Florida Extension provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working within a nationally recognized organization dedicated to educational excellence, innovation, and public service. Extension faculty are encouraged to develop leadership skills, build collaborative partnerships, and create measurable impacts that address the needs of Florida’s agricultural industries, communities, and residents.

About The Citrus Research and Education Center

Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), located in Lake Alfred in central Florida, serves as a major hub for agricultural research, Extension programming, and industry engagement. Established in 1917, CREC has become internationally recognized for its contributions to citrus production, plant health, agricultural technologies, and food and agricultural systems. The center serves stakeholders throughout Florida while maintaining strong partnerships with industry organizations, governmental agencies, regulatory agencies, and agricultural producers.

Situated in Polk County, one of Florida’s leading agricultural counties, the center is strategically located near extensive citrus, specialty crop, food processing, and agricultural production operations. CREC faculty and staff collaborate with Extension professionals throughout Florida, including county Extension offices and multiple Research and Education Centers, to address emerging challenges and opportunities affecting agricultural producers, food industries, and consumers.

The center provides outstanding facilities that support interdisciplinary research, education, technology transfer, and stakeholder engagement. Its statewide reach and strong reputation make it an ideal location for a State Specialized Extension Agent focused on advancing food safety education, compliance, workforce development, and applied research initiatives throughout Florida.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Agricultural Sciences, Public Health, or a closely related discipline.
• Must be eligible to serve as a State Specialized Extension Agent II, III, or IV and possess qualifications equivalent to an Extension Agent II or higher.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety principles, foodborne illness prevention, food processing, quality assurance, or food regulatory systems.
• Experience developing, delivering, or evaluating educational, outreach, teaching, or workforce training programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively to industry, governmental, and public audiences.
• Ability to establish productive partnerships with stakeholders, commodity groups, governmental agencies, and educational organizations.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program outcomes and impacts.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to interdisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work evening and weekend programs when required.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida and maintain a valid Florida driver's license or obtain one within an appropriate timeframe following employment.
• Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining professional competence in Food Science and Extension programming.
• Candidates must also have a commitment toUF core values.

Preferred:

• An earned doctorate in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Agricultural Sciences, Public Health, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) implementation, compliance assistance, or related regulatory education programs.
• Land‑grant university Extension experience or equivalent nonformal educational programming experience.
• Demonstrated record of securing grants, contracts, sponsorships, or other external funding support.
• Experience conducting applied research and translating findings into stakeholder‑focused educational programs.
• Record of scholarly activity including publications, presentations, curriculum development, or educational resource development.
• Experience working with food producers, processors, distributors, regulatory agencies, or commodity organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership in statewide, regional, or multi‑organizational initiatives.
• Experience utilizing distance education technologies, online learning systems, and digital communication platforms.
• Evidence of creating measurable program outcomes and documented stakeholder impacts.
• Ability to develop interdisciplinary collaborations across research, Extension, and industry sectors.

Applications Close: 04 October 2026

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year‑round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement programs, paid leave, professional development opportunities, wellness resources, and work-life support services. Additional information regarding employee benefits can be found on the University of Florida Human Resources Benefits website: UF Benefits.

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement programs, paid leave, professional development opportunities, wellness resources, and work-life support services.