Job No: 537341
Work Type: Full
Time
Location: Sarasota
Categories: Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations, Environmental/Occupational
Safety
Department: 60354058 – AG-SARASOTA
Job Description
Classification Title:
Extension Program
Specialist – Commercial Horticulture
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area; or an
equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Job Description:
Technical Support:
Work with partners
from Chemicals in the Environment, Residential Horticulture, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping programs and county Extension staff to
identify, plan and implement programs. Serve as a technical professional and educator on the following topics: turfgrass issues, plant
nutrient and disease diagnostics, soil health, chemical application methods, irrigation systems, pruning, and calibration, commercial
nursery production best practices, arborist best practices, landscape water conservation efforts, among others. Maintain ongoing expertise
on newly emerged pests and diseases, as well as plant cultivars, new pesticide and fertilizer chemistries, and updates to landscaping best
management practices (BMPs), technical skills for landscaping or nursery work, worker safety, and the production and management of
commercial horticulture enterprises. Provide technical guidance and answer questions on those topics from professional horticulture
audiences, HOA committee members, and volunteers at the Plant Clinic. Technical support services will also include evaluating samples,
diagnostic services, site visits/ consultations, phone, email, and in-person contacts.
Educational Programs and Materials:
Create and deliver educational programs and materials on areas of commercial horticulture technical expertise and hands-on practices
and skills listed above. Educational strategies will include in-person workshops and trainings, and virtual education such as webinars, and
development of educational materials such as videos, social media, eNewsletters, presentations, fact sheets, blogs, webpages, etc. Support
UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County faculty and staff in their delivery of training programs and materials geared toward industry
professionals, including but not limited to the Green Industries Best Management Program (GI-BMP), Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Certification Program, Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program, pesticide exam review classes, and irrigation. Collaborate with the
agents to maintain educational and outreach partnerships with industry associations, local growers, Sarasota County and other local
municipalities, government agencies, other internal and external stakeholders, and Extension faculty colleagues to deliver cooperative and
interdisciplinary projects. Collaboration will be essential to the continued success of the program. Engage with these stakeholders
regularly to assess and respond to needs.
Administration and Reporting:
Facilitate the administrative steps necessary for
approval, ongoing maintenance, and delivery of relevant continuing education units (CEUs) for professionals. Groups that require CEUs
include FNGLA, FDACS, ISA, landscape architects, community association managers, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping certified professionals.
Support agents’ efforts to seek appropriate grants and other revenue to grow the program. Support the agents in tracking program metrics and
implementing evaluation strategies to measure program effectiveness. Complete reporting requirements as needed by the county and UF. Serve
in an emergency role as assigned during natural disasters and other emergencies.
Demonstration Gardens:
Support the
Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteers in developing and maintaining demonstration gardens and conducting programs
and activities there. Support management of the onsite greenhouse to maximize its benefit to the staff, volunteers, and community. Will be
required to drive to different stakeholder and demonstration sites.
Expected Salary:
$50,000-$60,000/annually, commensurate
with experience
https://hr.ifas.ufl.edu/benefits/
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in
an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Relevant
experience in horticulture or a related field with emphasis in landscape plant maintenance, ornamental plant pathology, turfgrass science,
agronomy, environmental sciences, or a related field
Technical expertise in plant installation, diagnostic skills, soil and
fertilizer management, tree management, turf management, and water quality and conservation as they relate to the landscape industry.
Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) will be critical to address the educational
needs of commercial horticulture clientele
4 years of experience in landscaping industry
Familiarity with local, state, and
federal pesticide and landscaping licensing and regulatory requirements
Self-starting, energetic, and team oriented
Strong
interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, industry, media, and agency partners
Resourcefulness, creativity, enthusiasm, and innovativeness
Good organizational and time management skills and a commitment
to responsiveness; Expertise in managing competing priorities and adaptability to handle unexpected situations
Ability to establish
solid partnerships and work in teams
Ability to use information technology and apply social media to Extension work
Certified Florida Horticulture Professional
Certified in the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program
Practical experience in Extension, teaching, and training
Experience with diagnostic tools, such as microscopes, and soil
testing equipment
Experience in greenhouse or nursery production
Bilingual ability (English/Spanish)
Special
Instructions to Applicants:
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION:
May require standing for prolonged periods of time both
indoors and/or working outside.
POLICY MAKING AND/OR INTERPRETATION:
This position will be responsible for interpreting
policies and procedures as well as national, state and local policies.
PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT:
All members of the
team will play an active role in the direction and development of their program activities.
COMMUNICATION:
Daily contact
with University, state, and county faculty and administrators. This is a public position that will communicate with a variety of external
stakeholders. Spanish desirable.
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONFIDENTIAL DATA:
This position may be responsible for
confidential research data from participants.
CREATIVITY, STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP:
This position will engage with an active
team focused on strategic planning and implementation of programs to support the needs of commercial horticulture stakeholders in Florida.
Collaboration within the team is essential for this position. Creative and strategic thinking will be required to accomplish the goals of
the program.
SUPERVISION:
Received: This position is expected to function in an independent manner and self-direct the work
of the position. This position exercises independence and initiative in completing assignments and receives general administrative
direction. Work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and conformance with prescribed policies and procedures.
Exercised: This
position will not supervise other positions.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:
Flexible daily schedule; 40 hours a week or more as
needed. Most work will occur during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5pm. Weekend and evening work may be required as necessary.
Driving within Florida to attend local meetings and trainings may be required, including occasional overnight travel.
In order to be
considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and up to three (3) Personal or Professional References.
Application must be
submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This is a Time-Limited position.
Health Assessment Required:
No
Applications Close: 13 October 2025
To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/537341
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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