UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science providing statewide leadership in Food Business and Entrepreneurship, supporting county faculty, entrepreneurs, workforce programs, and industry collaborators throughout Florida. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the role advances UF/IFAS Extension’s mission by strengthening economic decision making, viability, and growth opportunities for food and agribusiness entrepreneurs at all stages of development. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II–IV, depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The position is located at the Southwest Research and Education Center in Immokalee.
Statewide Leadership and Extension Programming
- Lead or co-lead statewide Extension programs that increase the economic resilience of Florida’s food and agribusiness sectors.
- Educate food entrepreneurs and clientele about food and agribusiness planning and start-up considerations, marketing and management.
- Provide training to food and agribusiness entrepreneurs on market research and value-chain coordination, basic financial analysis, and business and market feasibility analysis
- Connect entrepreneurs with mentors to provide one-on-one business coaching to support informed investment, pricing, market entry, and scaling decisions.
- Work with county and state faculty to develop decision-support tools, curricula, and technical assistance to strengthen local program delivery in Family and Consumer Sciences and related food systems areas.
- Embed applied business and entrepreneurial analysis into statewide curricula and workshops to strengthen the economic impact and effectiveness of county level programming.
- Partner and leverage expertise of other faculty in the areas of regulatory, processing, food safety, and product development.
- Serve as a member of Initiative 5 (Food Safety & Food Entrepreneurship) and Initiative 1 (Food Systems) priority working groups, including participation on relevant Action Teams.
Resource Development and Grantsmanship
- Secure federal, state, and philanthropic grants that expand UF Extension’s capacity in food entrepreneurship and local food systems.
- Leverage in-kind resources and partnerships to expand program reach and reduce implementation costs.
- Support integrated funding strategies that align entrepreneurship, food safety, and food systems goals.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education and Communication, Food Science, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a closely related field. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Additional required qualifications include:
- Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
- At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
- A record of Extension, teaching, or equivalent outreach experience demonstrating strong applied communication and educational skills.
- Experience in small business development, food entrepreneurship, financial coaching, or related applied economic training.
- Ability to work effectively with community partners, state agencies, and interdisciplinary faculty teams.
- Ability to interpret applied research and develop educational materials.
- Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the ability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
- 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 travel statewide and work occasional evenings or weekends as required by programming.
- Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
- Successful completion of a Level 2 DCF background check due to youth involvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- A doctoral degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Food and Resource Economics, Business Administration, Food Science, or other disciplines closely aligned with food entrepreneurship and economic development is preferred for this State Specialized Agent position.
- Demonstrated success securing grants, managing budgets, or coordinating multi‑partner initiatives.
- Experience designing statewide, regional, or multi‑county Extension programs.
- Experience working with food entrepreneurs, cottage food operators, commercial kitchens, or value-added‑ food ventures.
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across Florida’s agricultural and food enterprise sectors.
- A record of producing scholarly outputs.
Application Instructions
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.