Job Listings Title:
County Extension Director and Extension Agent II - IV - Sea Grant - University of Florida

Post Date
3/4/2026

Expiration Date
3/24/2026

Details:

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.

As a Sea Grant Extension Agent you will:

  • 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. Stakeholders include marine and coastal resource users, marine management agencies, local government, public and private organizations and educational institutions, and other public adult and youth audiences.
  • 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. These programs should meet the priorities of FSG as summarized in FSG’s Strategic Plan.
  • 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 annual Sea Grant Extension Program retreat and other professional development opportunities.
  • Adapt Florida Sea Grant signature programs to address county needs.
  • Contribute to and/or lead collaborative Sea Grant funding opportunities.

As a County Extension Director, you will:

  • Supervise, mentor, support, and evaluate county faculty and staff members.
  • Manage the business side of the UF/IFAS Extension Walton County program, including financial and compliance oversight, policies, and procedures.
  • Collaborate closely with county administration to secure essential resources and support for UF/IFAS Extension Walton County.
  • Develop and follow a strategic plan focused on developing, supporting, and directing the vision of the total UF/IFAS Extension Walton County Extension program and strengthening internal and external relationships.
  • Collaborate with Walton County government, administration, and staff and UF/IFAS Extension faculty, staff, and administration.
  • Collaborate with community leaders, government agencies, stakeholders, and media.
  • Develop, lead, and sustain an informed overall UF/IFAS Extension Walton County advisory committee reflective of county demographics.
  • Adhere to all University of Florida and Walton County government policies and procedures and provide leadership to faculty and staff for management of all program components.
  • Collaborate with the District Extension Director and CEDs to strengthen outcomes and impacts of UF/IFAS Extension across the Northwest District.
  • As requested, assume other responsibilities to benefit the total UF/IFAS Extension program and Walton County as assigned by the District Extension Director and County Administrator.


Qualifications:
  • A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in marine policy, coastal management, marine recreation, resource development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, resource economics, or a related discipline.
  • At least 5 years of professional Extension experience or equivalent.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A commitment to excellent customer service.
  • Ability to possess a Florida driver’s license.
  • Flexibility with working hours, willingness to occasionally work long and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.
  • Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 


Employer:
University of Florida

Website:
https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538879/county-extension-director-and-extension-agent-ii-iv-sea-grant