County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Sea Grant

Classification Minimum Requirements

New appointees to any County Extension Director position must have a minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

CED & Ext Agent II - IV

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.

We hire the best. A range of perspectives and experiences makes us strong. We look for candidates with both academic and people skills who work well in teams, honor their commitments, innovate in a rapidly changing world, and value respect for all individuals. Working for Florida Extension will allow you to make a positive impact in your community as you help shape future generations, growing your career while earning a competitive salary and great benefits.

As a Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work to address the priorities established in the Florida Sea Grant Strategic Plan that are relevant to Walton County and that support the UF/IFAS Extension Pathway. This position is permanent‑status accruing and full‑time. We are seeking a self‑starting, energetic, team‑oriented individual who will also serve as County Extension Director (CED; 25‑35%). The educational responsibilities of the CED/Agent encompass strong leadership with respect to Sea Grant/Marine Science (65‑75%).

Applications from any qualified agent currently appointed to serve in Walton County will also be accepted regardless of subject matter responsibilities.

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent, you will work jointly for UF/IFAS Extension in the Northwest Extension District and Walton County in the Florida panhandle to conduct education to address issues, facilitate solutions and promote positive behavior change associated with coastal communities and environments. We are looking for an individual that is a self‑starting, energetic, and team‑oriented leader.

• Plan, develop, implement, teach, evaluate, and report on comprehensive marine and natural resource extension and education programs addressing issues of importance to local stakeholders. Programs will emphasize commercial industries such as boating, marinas, and other fishing‑related businesses, coastal community resilience and stewardship; nature‑based recreation and tourism; water quality; coastal ecosystem health and restoration; workforce development; protected and invasive marine species; and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
• Develop extension programs and activities that facilitate the transfer of science and science‑based tools, technologies and information created from Florida Sea Grant (FSG) research programming to the residents, businesses and communities in Walton County, including in partnership with key stakeholder associations and organizations.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with various marine and coastal businesses, resource and water education user groups, and other stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison to marine and natural resource management agencies, as well as public and private organizations, aqua‑culturists, and educational institutions.
• Create, develop, and confer with a Walton County marine advisory committee to obtain local guidance, ensuring that the local Sea Grant program is relevant with a high level of stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with agencies and other partners to respond effectively and efficiently to priority coastal issues.
• Participate in at least one Florida Sea Grant work action group (WAG) and contribute to regional and statewide extension education programs that are relevant to Walton County and local stakeholders.
• Participate in the…