Search for University Jobs in Social Sciences

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is committed to creating an environment that affirms diversity across a variety of dimensions, including ability, class, ethnicity/race, gender identity and expression. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. We strongly encourage historically underrepresented groups to apply.

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 Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments that provides quality, relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy. We are the resource that helps educate Floridians to address issues related to agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, youth development, families and communities.

University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Gadsden County seek to fill a Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension Agent position with a self-starting, energetic, team-oriented individual. As the Agent, you will provide leadership for the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of comprehensive county FCS program in cooperation with local citizens, organizations, volunteers, businesses, and agencies plus county and state extension colleagues. Your FCS program responsibilities may include mental health, financial management, family life, community development, consumer education, nutrition, health, wellness, and related topics. Your program will also include a minimum of 5% 4-H Youth and Volunteer development.

You and your base of volunteers will use resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm and innovativeness to strengthen current educational programs while reviewing and implementing new educational opportunities, maintaining enrollments and records, communicating effectively across social media platforms and managing the program’s financial resources for Gadsden County. You will build an advisory committee composed of citizens and professionals that will assist you with program priorities and design to reach your audiences. 

This role provides the opportunity to make a positive impact in Gadsden County as you serve as a role model to the community while helping shape future generations. You will also collaborate with the County Extension Director and District Extension Director on other duties as assigned by them, including multi-county projects.

Further information:

Gadsden County, a rural community of 43,000 residents, is located in transition to a “bedroom community” for Tallahassee, the State Capitol. The Gadsden County Extension office is located in the county seat of Quincy. Currently five faculty members, three support staff, and two program assistants make up the UF/IFAS Extension – Gadsden County team.

Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. As such, all 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.

EXPECTED SALARY:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

You must hold an earned bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, education, nutrition, dietetics, health and wellness, or a related field. If hired with solely a bachelor’s degree, we want you to continue to grow in your career. As such, we expect you to make at least 50% of progress towards obtaining your master’s degree within the first 6 years of employment.

Proficiency with computer technology, software applications, and internet use is required. You must be able to obtain/hold a Florida Driver’s license and must be willing to travel using personal transportation. Employment is contingent upon the results of a national background screening.

Extension Agents are UF/IFAS faculty members; implicit in this position is the need to work outside of normal business hours. Therefore, you must be flexible with your time and must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Overnights with volunteers and youth and professional development travel is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Previous experience with family and consumer science extension programs and experience as an extension agent are desirable. A master’s degree and/or experience in creating lesson plans, developing instructional materials, and applying teaching methods appropriate for the audience are highly desirable. Familiarity with or willingness to learn online tools in educational technology and social media are desirable. Expertise in getting groups to work together for a higher goal, managing competing priorities, and adaptability to handle unexpected situations is a plus for this role. You must be an effective written and verbal communicator, a good listener, feel comfortable presenting in front of small and large crowds, be able to establish solid partnerships, and find innovative ways to attract new audiences.

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 describes how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for this position
• Résumé or Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copies of all transcripts (showing coursework) of your academic degrees

The following documents are also required and may either be submitted through the above link at the time of application, or sent separately to our office (below).   

• Current and Previous Employment Form
• A minimum of 3 reference rating forms from your professional/academic references. Applicants are responsible for sending the rating form link to their references.
• Reference forms will be kept on file for 1 year and will be automatically used with any of our extension agent positions you apply for during that time.

Reference rating forms and unofficial transcripts not submitted at the time of application should be submitted/postmarked by the next business day after the position’s closing date. They may be submitted to:

UF IFAS Human Resources
Faculty Recruitment and Hiring
P O Box 110281
Gainesville, FL 32611-0281

ifasrecruitment@ifas.ufl.edu

Fax:  (352) 392-3226

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 of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:No

ADVERTISED:09 Jun 2023  Eastern Daylight Time
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:30 Jun 2023 Eastern Daylight Time