Job Description

Classification Title:

EXT AGENT I-II

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Candidates shall hold a master’s degree and/or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience and accomplishments.

Job Description:

You Belong at a University That's Leading the Way

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.

The Opportunity

This full-time, 12-month, permanent status-accruing Extension Agent I or II position in Family and Consumer Sciences will deliver comprehensive programming focused on nutrition, chronic disease prevention and management, food literacy, and community health improvement across Hendry County. The successful candidate will also apply their expertise to strengthen youth nutrition education and food literacy in collaboration with 4-H programming (5%). This position is jointly funded by UF/IFAS Extension and the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners.

Program Development and Delivery

• Design and implement research-based educational programs addressing adult nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and lifestyle management.
• Deliver hands-on food and nutrition education through teaching kitchen demonstrations and food preparation classes.
• Develop and deliver food literacy programming focused on budgeting, food safety, and meal planning.
• Promote efficient use of food resources to strengthen household and community resilience.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Establish strong collaborations with County Health Departments, food distribution sites, senior centers, schools, faith-based organizations, and community organizations.
• Partner with Hendry County and UF/IFAS Extension faculty and stakeholders to explore development of a local farmer’s market in Hendry County.
• Build initiatives that promote local food systems and improve access to fresh, nutritious foods.

Scholarship and Professional Responsibilities

• Document program impacts using established evaluation methods.
• Maintain accurate records and reports in compliance with UF/IFAS Extension standards.
• Document program outcomes and impacts using UF/IFAS Extension reporting systems.
• Participate in professional development, interdisciplinary teams, and applied scholarship appropriate to rank.
• Contribute to county and state Extension initiatives as assigned.

About UF/IFAS

UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension is a federal, state, and county partnership dedicated to delivering science-based education that enhances quality of life and economic sustainability. Through research-driven programming, Extension connects university expertise with local communities to address critical issues in agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and youth development.

About UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension has a longstanding tradition of empowering individuals and communities through practical, research-based education. County Extension offices serve as trusted local hubs, providing programming that strengthens families, improves health outcomes, and supports resilient food systems. Faculty collaborate with community partners, local governments, and agencies to ensure programming is responsive, innovative, and impactful.

About Hendry County

Hendry County is located in south Florida, on the southwest side of Lake Okeechobee and characterized by a strong agricultural heritage and rural landscape. Hendry County has a population of approximately 42,000 residents, with Clewiston and LaBelle serving as key population centers. The region is known for sugarcane production, cattle ranching, and vegetable farming, which shape both the economy and community life.

Hendry County presents unique opportunities for Extension programming focused on food systems, nutrition, and health due to limited food access in some areas and a high need for chronic disease prevention education. Community institutions such as schools, senior centers, and health departments play a central role in outreach efforts. UF/IFAS Extension maintains a presence in the county, working collaboratively with nearby research and education centers to deliver impactful programming tailored to local needs.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, nutrition, public health, dietetics, health education, food science, or a closely related field (for Extension Agent I), or a master’s degree or at least 50% completion of a master’s program in a related field (for Extension Agent II).
• Ability to develop and deliver educational programs using research-based information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to produce scholar output and document program impacts.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to obtain a Florida driver’s license and ability to travel within the county.
• Successful completion of a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) due to youth programming responsibilities.
• Candidates must also have a commitment to the University of Florida’s core values.

Preferred:

• A master’s degree in nutrition, public health, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, food science, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience delivering nutrition education or chronic disease prevention programs.
• Experience working with adult learners and rural populations.
• Demonstrated success in securing grants or external funding and conducting program evaluation.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is highly desirable given county demographics.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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.

Health Assessment Required: No