(Polk-Hillsborough) Extension Agent I - IV – Commercial Citrus, Multi-County

12-month, permanent status-accruing position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. Office located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL. This role includes a mandatory “division essential” responsibility during emergencies, including initial damage assessments for growers and recovery support for agriculture producers.

About the role

The University of Florida (UF), a land-grant institution, is comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. UF/IFAS is creating an inclusive environment that affirms community across all dimensions.

Polk and Hillsborough Counties represent two of Florida's most significant agricultural regions, with a strong emphasis on citrus production. Together, they encompass over 3,200 square miles and serve a combined population exceeding 2.4 million residents.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of innovative citrus education programs addressing emerging industry needs and supporting grower success.
• Reinforce agricultural and horticultural best management practices by providing training focused on water quality protection, conservation, and sustainable production systems.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for citrus pest management, delivering science-based guidance on insects, mites, diseases, and weed control strategies.
• Design and distribute engaging educational experiences through consultations, workshops, seminars, field demonstrations, clinics, livestreams, and virtual learning platforms tailored to stakeholder needs.
• Create high-impact educational and outreach materials, including multimedia presentations, fact sheets, abstracts, and other scholarly and professional communications.
• Secure external funding and program resources by pursuing grants, sponsorships, awards, and revenue-generating opportunities that expand program reach and impact.
• Enhance workforce safety and regulatory compliance by providing agricultural worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.
• Support professional development within the agricultural community by offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors and other industry leaders.
• Utilize emerging technologies and digital tools to improve program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and field-based problem solving.
• Cultivate strong partnerships by facilitating an active stakeholder advisory committee to identify priorities and shape impactful programming.
• Provide production and management support for citrus growers while addressing educational needs related to alternative fruit and specialty crop systems in the region.
• Demonstrate leadership in youth agricultural education by supporting and advancing 4-H citrus and fruit crop development programs.
• Contribute technical expertise to Master Gardener Volunteer training, strengthening community horticulture education and outreach efforts.
• Drive interdisciplinary collaboration across Extension programs, partnering with other agents to expand agricultural awareness, strengthen community engagement, and increase visibility of local Extension initiatives.

Requirements

• Flexibility with work hours, including evenings, occasional weekends, and overnight travel for professional development and industry events.
• Possess a valid and active State of Florida driver's license by the time of hire.
• Employment contingent on successful Level 2 background check and other screenings as required by Polk County government and the University of Florida.
• Commitment to UF core values.

Qualifications

• Extension Agent I: A bachelor’s degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field. Ability to acquire a restricted-use pesticide license for agricultural tree crops within six months of start date.
• Extension Agent II: A master’s degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field, at least 50% completed. Licensed in restricted-use pesticide for agricultural tree crops.
• Extension Agent III or IV: A master’s degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field is required prior to hire. Licensed in restricted-use pesticide for agricultural tree crops.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master of Science degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a related field.

Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous Retirement Options
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages with 10+ paid holidays, paid family, sick, and vacation leave
• Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer