Regional Specialized Agent IIIV - Commercial Horticulture
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
Regional Specialized Agent IIIV – Commercial Horticulture
Job No:
539082
Work Type:
Full Time
Location:
Orange
Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:
60353000 – AG‑DISTRICT III
Job Description Classification Title:
RSA & Ext Agent II – IV
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Candidates shall hold a master’s degree or 50 % of hours completed towards a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.
The Opportunity:
This Regional Specialized Agent II‑IV position in Commercial Horticulture offers an opportunity to lead impactful programming across the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with a central focus on the nursery industry and related commercial horticulture enterprises. The position also supports urban agriculture efforts that utilize commercial production methods, including controlled‑environment systems and market‑oriented growing operations.
Regional Leadership and Multi‑County Support
Lead Commercial Horticulture programming across multiple counties in the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with emphasis on container, foliage, ornamental, and greenhouse nursery production.
Support county Extension faculty by providing technical consultation, in‑service training, program planning assistance, and educational resources that enhance local horticulture programs.
Develop and deliver research‑based educational programs focused on plant production efficiency, plant health, regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and workforce development for commercial horticulture operations.
Incorporate urban agriculture systems that align with commercial horticulture practices, such as controlled‑environment agriculture, hydroponic systems, high‑tunnel production, and market‑focused urban farms.
Applied Demonstration and Research Integration
Collaborate with MREC and other UF/IFAS research faculty to translate applied research into practical recommendations, demonstrations, decision‑support tools, workshops, and publications.
Design or support applied demonstrations and trials addressing key issues such as pest and disease management, automation technologies, substrate innovations, nutrient management, irrigation and environmental controls, and compliance with best management practices.
Use results from applied demonstrations and research projects to strengthen Extension programming and share findings through field days, technical bulletins, fact sheets, and digital channels.
Industry and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong working relationships with nursery owners and managers, greenhouse operators, allied industry organizations, regulatory agencies, local governments, community partners, and service providers.
Serve as a resource and liaison among county Extension faculty, commodity groups, and industry associations to address emerging challenges and coordinate responses to regional issues.
Engage with urban agriculture practitioners whose operations use commercial horticulture methods, providing technical guidance and connecting them with UF/IFAS Extension resources.
Accountability, Reporting, and Resource Development
Seek external funding through grants, contracts, sponsorships, and fee‑based programs to support educational initiatives, demonstrations, and technology adoption.
Maintain accurate and timely records of program activities, participation, outcomes, and impacts, and report these to UF/IFAS Extension leadership and stakeholders.
Align programming with UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture expectations, statewide initiatives, and district priorities, and contribute to strategic planning and team efforts.
[Background on UF/IFAS and benefits omitted for brevity]
Required Qualifications
Hold a master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, agricultural sciences, or a closely related field to be hired as a Regional Specialized Agent III or IV. The minimum requirement for an Extension Agent II is a master’s degree or 50 % of the master’s degree completed.
Proven written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, reports, or other professional materials.
Experience in planning, teaching, evaluating, and reporting educational programs for clientele or stakeholder groups.
Experience collaborating effectively with community partners such as developers, homeowners’ association boards, county departments, industry partners, and municipal groups.
Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS‑approved reporting platforms.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
At least 5 years of land‑grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
For this Commercial Horticulture position, required certifications include the Private Applicator and demonstration and research pesticide certification and the Green Industry/BMP certification, obtained within six months of hire, if not already held.
Commitment to UF core values.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in horticulture, plant sciences, or a closely related field.
Experience working directly with Florida’s nursery or ornamental production industries.
Demonstrated success leading multi‑county or regional initiatives, coordinating applied demonstrations or trials, and integrating research findings into Extension programs.
Record of producing Extension publications, technical reports, digital educational materials, or professional presentations.
Experience using data, metrics, and feedback to refine programming and document outcomes and impacts.
Preferred certifications such as Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association Certified Horticulture Professional and relevant Commercial Pesticide Applicator licensure.
Special Instructions to Applicants
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. Degrees earned from an education institution outside the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Applications Close: 07 April 2026
To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539082
Our Commitment The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent upon 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job No:
539082
Work Type:
Full Time
Location:
Orange
Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:
60353000 – AG‑DISTRICT III
Job Description Classification Title:
RSA & Ext Agent II – IV
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Candidates shall hold a master’s degree or 50 % of hours completed towards a master’s degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.
The Opportunity:
This Regional Specialized Agent II‑IV position in Commercial Horticulture offers an opportunity to lead impactful programming across the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with a central focus on the nursery industry and related commercial horticulture enterprises. The position also supports urban agriculture efforts that utilize commercial production methods, including controlled‑environment systems and market‑oriented growing operations.
Regional Leadership and Multi‑County Support
Lead Commercial Horticulture programming across multiple counties in the UF/IFAS Extension Central District, with emphasis on container, foliage, ornamental, and greenhouse nursery production.
Support county Extension faculty by providing technical consultation, in‑service training, program planning assistance, and educational resources that enhance local horticulture programs.
Develop and deliver research‑based educational programs focused on plant production efficiency, plant health, regulatory requirements, environmental stewardship, and workforce development for commercial horticulture operations.
Incorporate urban agriculture systems that align with commercial horticulture practices, such as controlled‑environment agriculture, hydroponic systems, high‑tunnel production, and market‑focused urban farms.
Applied Demonstration and Research Integration
Collaborate with MREC and other UF/IFAS research faculty to translate applied research into practical recommendations, demonstrations, decision‑support tools, workshops, and publications.
Design or support applied demonstrations and trials addressing key issues such as pest and disease management, automation technologies, substrate innovations, nutrient management, irrigation and environmental controls, and compliance with best management practices.
Use results from applied demonstrations and research projects to strengthen Extension programming and share findings through field days, technical bulletins, fact sheets, and digital channels.
Industry and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong working relationships with nursery owners and managers, greenhouse operators, allied industry organizations, regulatory agencies, local governments, community partners, and service providers.
Serve as a resource and liaison among county Extension faculty, commodity groups, and industry associations to address emerging challenges and coordinate responses to regional issues.
Engage with urban agriculture practitioners whose operations use commercial horticulture methods, providing technical guidance and connecting them with UF/IFAS Extension resources.
Accountability, Reporting, and Resource Development
Seek external funding through grants, contracts, sponsorships, and fee‑based programs to support educational initiatives, demonstrations, and technology adoption.
Maintain accurate and timely records of program activities, participation, outcomes, and impacts, and report these to UF/IFAS Extension leadership and stakeholders.
Align programming with UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture expectations, statewide initiatives, and district priorities, and contribute to strategic planning and team efforts.
[Background on UF/IFAS and benefits omitted for brevity]
Required Qualifications
Hold a master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, agricultural sciences, or a closely related field to be hired as a Regional Specialized Agent III or IV. The minimum requirement for an Extension Agent II is a master’s degree or 50 % of the master’s degree completed.
Proven written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, reports, or other professional materials.
Experience in planning, teaching, evaluating, and reporting educational programs for clientele or stakeholder groups.
Experience collaborating effectively with community partners such as developers, homeowners’ association boards, county departments, industry partners, and municipal groups.
Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS‑approved reporting platforms.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
At least 5 years of land‑grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
For this Commercial Horticulture position, required certifications include the Private Applicator and demonstration and research pesticide certification and the Green Industry/BMP certification, obtained within six months of hire, if not already held.
Commitment to UF core values.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in horticulture, plant sciences, or a closely related field.
Experience working directly with Florida’s nursery or ornamental production industries.
Demonstrated success leading multi‑county or regional initiatives, coordinating applied demonstrations or trials, and integrating research findings into Extension programs.
Record of producing Extension publications, technical reports, digital educational materials, or professional presentations.
Experience using data, metrics, and feedback to refine programming and document outcomes and impacts.
Preferred certifications such as Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association Certified Horticulture Professional and relevant Commercial Pesticide Applicator licensure.
Special Instructions to Applicants
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. Degrees earned from an education institution outside the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Applications Close: 07 April 2026
To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539082
Our Commitment The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Hiring is contingent upon 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr