Extension Agent I - IV – Commercial Citrus, Multi-County

Ext Agent I - IV

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

You Belong at a University that’s Leading the Way

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. 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 .

University of Florida IFAS Extension and Polk County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Citrus Extension Agent position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. As the agent you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive Citrus Extension program. The focus areas include teaching the most effective strategies of citrus production by interpreting and applying current science and technology in the field. Areas of expertise include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies; Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and conservation; environmental stewardship in agricultural production; supporting sustainability of economic viability of citrus production; and other related topics.

There are more than 3.8 million boxes of citrus in production in Polk County, with a total of approximately 59,229 acres of citrus in Polk and Hillsborough counties—98% of which is in Polk County. As the citrus Extension agent, you will cultivate effective working relationships with citrus growers, citrus industry organizations, related state and local agencies, local and regional media, and regulatory agencies. The successful candidate will collaborate with state and county Extension faculty throughout the Southwest District and statewide, including Extension specialists, researchers, and other county Extension agents focused on citrus and other fruit crops. This includes faculty located at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, FL, and other research and education centers involved in citrus-related research, and associated department faculty at the main University of Florida campus in Gainesville.

Your office will be located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL.

As the Commercial Citrus Agent, you will:

• Develop, conduct, coordinate and evaluate educational programs for citrus.
• Provide training in agricultural and horticultural best management practices for water resources protection.
• Provide guidance and educational programming on citrus pest management, including insect, mite, disease, and weed management.
• Deliver educational programs using a variety of approaches based on stakeholder needs, including but not limited to in-person consultations, workshops, seminars, field clinics, live-stream media, and virtual platforms.
• Develop creative and scholarly materials in support of programming, including multi-media presentations, fact sheets, blog posts, webpages, videos, abstracts, trade journal articles, and other categories of professional writing and production.
• Pursue extramural funding and in-kind program support in the form of grants, monetary awards, sponsorships, and revenue enhancement through program fees.
• Provide agriculture worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.
• Provide continuing education units (CEUs) for certified crop advisors and other clientele.
• Utilize up-to-date technology in everyday work and in support of stakeholder needs in the field.
• Maintain an effective stakeholder advisory committee to assist with program development and implementation, including identification of priority issues.
• Provide support for citrus growers on other fruit and alternative crops grown in the area.
• Provide leadership for and assist with 4-H youth development citrus and fruit crop educational programs (5% assignment).
• Provide technical citrus support for Master Gardener Volunteer training.
• Actively collaborate with other Polk and Hillsborough Extension agents to implement interdisciplinary programs for agricultural awareness and local Extension program marketing and awareness.

Further information:

Employment is contingent on the results of a Level 2 background check and other screenings as required by Polk County government and the University of Florida.

This position will have a mandatory “division essential” role in times of emergency. In Polk County, this role includes initial damage assessments for growers and may include recovery efforts in support of agriculture producers.

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a dynamic and highly impactful team of Extension educators and staff serving the county’s communities and agriculture industry. Areas of programming include commercial agriculture (citrus, livestock); small farms and alternative enterprises; environmental horticulture; natural resources and conservation; residential horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™; the Master Gardener Volunteer program; 4-H Youth Development; Family and Consumer Sciences; and community development.

Polk County has a population of around 835,000 (2025 estimates) and has been highlighted as one of the top six fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas in the United States in the past five years. Polk has 17 municipalities and is on the Interstate 4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa. The county is a hub for higher education, agricultural production, industry, logistics, and tourism, including agritourism. While industrial and residential development are projected to continue, the county’s agricultural industry continues to expand, diversify, and be a strong economic driver and contributor. Major agricultural products include citrus, blueberries, beef cattle, plant nurseries, bees, and aquaculture, with a growing row crops sector. Polk is expected to continue as a major economic force in the state’s agricultural production, ranking eighth of 67 counties in total agricultural products sold with over $303 million in market value, as of the 2022 census (up from $297 million in the 2017 census). Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, these partners are involved in the supervision of the office and contribute to the salary and support resources. The primary goal of Extension is to disseminate the latest knowledge and applicable technologies in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences in order to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The UF/IFAS mission is accomplished through Extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers working cohesively throughout Florida’s 67 counties.

Candidates will be reviewed as applications are received, but please be aware that interviews might not be scheduled until 4 to 6 weeks after the position closing date. Are you a good match? Apply today!

Commensurate with Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field. A master’s degree is desired but not required if hired at Extension Agent I level. To be hired as an Extension Agent II, at least 50% of a master’s degree is required. Extension Agent III or IV must have an earned master’s degree.
• Minimum of five years of field experience in citrus, horticulture, or other fruit crops production, Extension, research, or teaching, including experience working with HLB-endemic citrus crops.
• Ability to acquire a restricted-use pesticide license for agricultural tree crops.
  Demonstrated skills and abilities in the following:
  • Excellent command of English grammar and vocabulary as evidenced in writing and oral communication skills
  • Responsiveness in a timely and professional manner
  • Being self-directed with minimal daily supervision, setting own calendar and prioritizing projects and tasks
• Flexibility with work hours, with expectation of working 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
• Be willing to commit to the UF core values.

• A Master of Science degree in an academic area as mentioned above; required if hired at the Agent III or above level.
• An agricultural tree crop restricted-use public pesticide license.

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.