Extension Assistant Professor and Program Director, Florida Master Naturalist Program
About the role
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education program (18 and older) developed by the University of Florida/IFAS and delivered by a statewide network of certified instructors from UF/IFAS Extension and other participating organizations. The mission of the FMNP is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors. FMNP graduates share their knowledge with others and contribute to conservation efforts. FMNP courses are appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about Florida’s environment, includes both lay and professional audiences, and consistently graduates more than 1,000 participants per year.
Responsibilities
- Oversight and decisions associated with all aspects of managing the FMNP, including personnel, partnerships associated with program management, finances/fund-raising, program registration, and maintaining an active and engaged FMNP Advisory Board.
- Supervision of half-time program assistant.
- Managing FMNP instructor network (~160 current instructors): including recruiting and training new instructors; providing training, support, recognition, and incentives for existing instructors; and ensuring all instructors are delivering FMNP courses consistent with FMNP curricula.
- Keeping FMNP curricula relevant and accurate by updating and revising FMNP courses as deemed best for program instructors and participants.
- Creating new FMNP courses and/or educational opportunities to keep the FMNP growing and vibrant.
- Maintaining databases and quantifying program success and impacts, including but not necessarily limited to FMNP instructors, graduates, courses taught, and course/instructor evaluations.
- Applying for grants and conducting fundraising to support the FMNP.
- Maintaining finances and payment options for FMNP instructors and participants.
- Teaching Florida Environments (WIS 2000), a 3-credit undergraduate course based on the three core courses of the FMNP (Coastal, Freshwater, and Upland Systems).
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in wildlife ecology, forestry, biology (or other discipline if relevant professional experience establishes the applicant as a qualified candidate for leading the FMNP) is required.
- Additional requirements include knowledge of natural ecosystems and species, the ability to collaborate effectively, and demonstrated leadership skills.
- Preferred experience includes instructing FMNP courses (or similar programs), managing educational programs and partnerships; familiarity with current conservation issues, especially those impacting the Southeastern United States and Florida; and evidence of ability to work effectively with employees and colleagues.
- The candidate must be willing to travel as needed and be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant university system.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Background Information
The University of Florida (UF) is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The University of Florida’s main campus is located in Gainesville, which is often recognized as one of Florida's most livable cities and one of the best college towns in America. Located in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida, Gainesville maintains a small-town feel, but offers many amenities found in much larger metro areas. With an expanding downtown, a strong cultural arts following and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, world-class medical care and facilities, and relatively low cost of living, greater Gainesville is one of the best places to work, live and play. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
Expected Salary
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Required Qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in wildlife ecology, forestry, biology (or other discipline if relevant professional experience establishes the applicant as a qualified candidate for leading the FMNP) is required.
- Additional requirements include knowledge of natural ecosystems and species, the ability to collaborate effectively, and demonstrated leadership skills.
- Preferred experience includes instructing FMNP courses (or similar programs), managing educational programs and partnerships; familiarity with current conservation issues, especially those impacting the Southeastern United States and Florida; and evidence of ability to work effectively with employees and colleagues.
- The candidate must be willing to travel as needed and be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant university system.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Special Instructions to Applicants
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 14, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined. Contact Information and Nomination Submission Nominations are welcome. Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. Please refer to Position 00035839 explicitly in the header of your email and forward all nominations to the following two email addresses: Dr. Katie Sieving Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation PO Box 110430 Gainesville, FL 32611-0410 Telephone: 352.846.0569 Electronic Mail: chucao@ufl.edu Karen Webb Administrative Specialist I Telephone: 352-846-0552 Application Information Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit: Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed aboveCurriculum vitaeContact information (including email addresses) for three referencesUnofficial transcripts