Extension Program Specialist

Job No: 537594
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Main
Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Grant or Research Administration, Agriculture
Operations
Department: 60460000 – AG-SCHL FOR, FISH, & GEOMATICS

Job Description

Classification Title:

Extension Program Specialist

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area; or an
equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Job Description:

Program Leadership and
Management: The incumbent’s primary responsibility will be the oversight, design, and implementation of all aspects of UF’s
“Fishing for Success” youth education program. This includes planning, developing, and refining curriculum, content, and teaching techniques
to enhance program effectiveness and relevance. The incumbent will review, evaluate, and adjust current protocols and practices to align
with UF/IFAS Extension goals and community needs. Duties include: Planning, marketing, scheduling, and conducting 100-120 on-site (UF
Millhopper facility) and off-site (statewide) educational programs, plus 9 weekend “Family Fishing Days. Teaching the program curriculum to
youth and families, integrating biological concepts related to freshwater fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. Identifying needed
initiatives and creating new outreach and education opportunities. Developing and implementing program evaluations, compiling and analyzing
results to assess impact and guide improvement. Fostering partnerships with community organizations, advisory groups, and other stakeholders
to enhance program reach and effectiveness. Compiling and writing reports summarizing program activities, outcomes, and recommendations.

Research Support: Assist faculty and students with research related to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants,
and water quality. Responsibilities include: Conducting literature searches, assisting with study design, and supporting field and
laboratory work. Performing data analysis, report preparation, and presentation of findings. Operating boats, electrofishing gear, nets, and
water sampling equipment in field settings.

Extension and Outreach Support: Provide technical assistance and
educational support to UF/IFAS Extension faculty and the public on fish, invertebrates, aquatic plans, and water quality. Assist Extension
Specialists in planning, organizing, and delivering workshops, community training, and in-service programs for county faculty. Identify
opportunities for collaboration with other Extension programs, agencies, and community partners. Develop educational materials to support
statewide aquatic education initiatives

Teaching Support: Assist in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses
related to fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences. Duties include: teaching field and laboratory techniques for sampling and
identification of aquatic organisms and water chemistry. Mentoring students in the design, implementation, and presentation of course
projects.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance: Assist with the care and maintenance of Millhopper ponds, fish tanks,
and live aquatic invertebrate collections. Duties also include: Maintaining and repairing equipment. Coordinating purchasing,
record-keeping, and vehicle logs. Assisting with safety inspections and compliance for labs and field operations.
Administration
and Reporting: Support program administration through: Developing reports, summaries, and presentations for internal and external
audiences. Tracking program expenditures and assisting with budgeting. Representing the FFS program within UF/IFAS and community networks.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with experience and education

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an
appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Preferred:

Ability to accurately
identify common freshwater fish, plants, and invertebrates. Knowledge of basic water chemistry and aquatic ecology. Experience in formal or
informal youth education, outreach, or community engagement.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered,
you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end
date.

Health Assessment Required:
No

Applications Close: 23 October 2025

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/537594

Our Commitment:
The University of
Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of
Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. 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.

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