Residential Horticulture Agent

Job Summary

As an Extension Agent, you will work jointly for Collier County and UF/IFAS in leading commercial horticulture education programs.
Candidates interested in this position must apply through PageUp. Please use the link below to apply:
https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/530732

Essential Functions

• Provide faculty support and delegation for ongoing Master Gardener Volunteer programming including: Horticulture Speakers Bureau, Training new and updating Master Gardener Volunteers, The annual Naples Yard and Garden Show/Plant Show/Educational Event, The annual Garden Educational Workshop Series, Plant Diagnostic Clincs and related events.
• Lead and train Master Gardener Volunteers regarding Florida-Friendly Landscaping education including FFL homeowner workshops and yard recognition visits and FFL community association (HOA) workshops and landscape certifications.
• Provide technical training for Landscape Architects and contractors seeking Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certified Professional.
• Collaborate on the design, renovation, and maintenance of the extension demonstration gardens, tropical fruit grove, and the extension building landscape projects (used for educational purposes) with the Master Gardener Volunteers, Agriculture Agent, Commercial Horticulture Agent, County Extension Director, and appropriate stakeholders.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on science based environmental horticulture, sustainable gardening techniques, and plant and pest problem solving.
• Provide technical assistance and site visit consultations with homeowners, HOA Landscape committees and Boards.
• Assemble a strong and effective local advisory committee composed of a diverse group of citizens and professionals.
• Use your advisory committee to help establish program priorities to reach expanding, existing, and new audiences.
• Collaborate with faculty colleagues on interdisciplinary projects related to the most important issues in Collier County and the state of Florida, including but not limited to residential plant insect and disease management, soil management, ornamental horticulture, climate change, invasive species management, and more.
• Seek appropriate grants and other revenue sources to grow your program.
• Develop creative works (presentations, posters, website development, evaluation, social media, etc.).
• Write non-technical/people-friendly blogs, articles, fact sheets, and related publications.
• Participate in professional societies university training and conferences.
• Contribute to the 4-H Youth Development program in your area of expertise.
• Collaborate, share, and consult with the County Extension Director (CED) and District Extension Director (DED) for guidance and to accept assigned responsibilities including annual report of accomplishment (ROA) and plan of work (POW), performance appraisals, impact reporting, and specific county emergency management duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in horticulture or related field.
Two (2) years of related experience.
Fingerprinting required.

Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.
• This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.