Polk County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ext Agent I - IV

A bachelor's degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field. A master's degree is desired but not required if hired at Extension Agent I level.

You Belong at a University that's Leading the Way

The University of Florida (UF), the state's flagship institution, is a land-grant university comprised of teaching, research, and extension. The UF/IFAS Florida Cooperative Extension Service is committed to the core values of integrity, excellence, responsiveness, lifelong learning, and access. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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 .

University of Florida IFAS Extension and Polk County seek to fill a 12-month, permanent status-accruing Commercial Citrus Extension Agent position serving Polk and Hillsborough counties. As the agent you will develop, implement, evaluate, and report on a comprehensive Citrus Extension program. The focus areas include teaching the most effective strategies of citrus production by interpreting and applying current science and technology in the field. Areas of expertise include the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies; Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality and conservation; environmental stewardship in agricultural production; supporting sustainability of economic viability of citrus production; and other related topics.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of innovative citrus education programs that address emerging industry needs and support grower success.
  
• Reinforce agricultural and horticultural best management best practices by providing training focused on water quality protection, conservation, and sustainable production systems.
  
• Serve as a trusted technical resource for citrus pest management, delivering science-based guidance on insects, mites, diseases, and weed control strategies.
  
• Design and distribute engaging educational experiences through consultations, workshops, seminars, field demonstrations, clinics, livestreams, and virtual learning platforms tailored to stakeholder needs.
  
• Create high-impact educational and outreach materials, including multimedia presentations, fact sheets, abstracts, and other scholarly and professional communications.
  
• Secure external funding and program resources by pursuing grants, sponsorships, awards, and revenue-generating opportunities that expand program reach and impact.
  
• Enhance workforce safety and regulatory compliance by providing agricultural worker safety training for citrus growers and their employees.
  
• Support professional development within the agricultural community by offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors and other industry leaders.
  
• Utilize emerging technologies and digital tools to improve program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and field-based problem solving.
  
• Cultivate strong partnerships by facilitating an active stakeholder advisory committee that helps identify priorities and shape impactful programming.
  
• Provide production and management support for citrus growers while also addressing educational needs related to alternative fruit and specialty crop systems in the region.
  
• Demonstrate leadership in youth agricultural education by supporting and advancing 4-H citrus and fruit crop development programs.
  
• Contribute technical expertise to Master Gardener Volunteer training, strengthening community horticulture education and outreach efforts.
  
• Drive interdisciplinary collaboration across Extension programs, partnering with other agents to expand agricultural awareness, strengthen community engagement, and increase visibility of local Extension initiatives.

Your office will be located at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office in Bartow, FL.

Note: This position will have a mandatory "division essential" role in times of emergency. In Polk County, this role includes initial damage assessments for growers and may include recovery efforts in support of agriculture producers.

Further information:

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a dynamic and highly impactful team of Extension educators and staff serving the county's communities and agriculture industry. Areas of programming include commercial agriculture (citrus, livestock); small farms and alternative enterprises; environmental horticulture; natural resources and conservation; residential horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping; the Master Gardener Volunteer program; 4-H Youth Development; Family and Consumer Sciences; and community development.

Located in west-central Florida, Polk and Hillsborough Counties represent two of the state's most significant agricultural regions and provide exceptional opportunities for Commercial Horticulture programming with a strong emphasis on citrus production. Together, the two counties encompass more than 3,200 square miles and serve a combined population exceeding 2.4 million residents. While Hillsborough County includes the metropolitan Tampa area and a rapidly expanding urban sector, Polk County remains one of Florida's premier agricultural counties and has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the state's citrus industry.

Commensurate with Education and Experience
We Offer Exceptional Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Life and Disability Insurance 
• Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages with 10+ paid holidays, paid family, sick and vacation leave 
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities: Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

• Extension Agent I: a bachelor's degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field, and ability to acquire a restricted-use pesticide license for agricultural tree crops within six months of start date.
  
• Extension Agent II: a master's degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field, at least 50% completed. Licensed in restricted-use pesticide for agricultural tree crops.
  
• Extension Agent III or IV: a master's degree in citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or a closely related field is required prior to hire. Licensed in restricted-use pesticide for agricultural tree crops.
  
• Flexibility with work hours, with expectation of working evenings, occasional weekends, and overnight travel for professional development and industry events.
  
• Possess a valid and active State of Florida driver's license by the time of hire.
  
• Employment is contingent on successful Level 2 background check and other screenings as required by Polk County government and the University of Florida.
  
• Be willing to commit to the UF core values.

• A Master of Science degree in an academic area of citriculture, horticultural science, plant science, perennial crop science, or related field.

Apply at Careers at UF 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 three 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.
This position is open until filled. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants that have submitted an application for Job Number 538521 need not apply.