Extension Assistant Professor and Program Director, Florida Master Naturalist Program

Job Description

Classification Title: Ext Ast Prof

Classification Minimum Requirements: Extension Assistant Professors are required to hold a Ph.D. or equivalent highest degree and expertise in the relevant discipline. 

Job Description: The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 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.

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education program (18 and older) developed by the University of Florida/IFAS and delivered by a statewide network of certified instructors from UF/IFAS Extension and other participating organizations. The mission of the FMNP is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors. FMNP graduates share their knowledge with others and contribute to conservation efforts. FMNP courses are appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about Florida's environment, includes both lay and professional audiences, and consistently graduates more than 1,000 participants per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is a non-tenure track 12-month Extension Assistant Professor position (80% Extension and 20% Teaching) in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. The incoming faculty member will assume leadership and oversee all aspects of the Florida Master Naturalist Program and deliver an innovative and integrated Extension and teaching program to further the mission of the FMNP. Major responsibilities of the successful candidate include:

• Oversight and decisions associated with all aspects of managing the FMNP, including personnel, partnerships associated with program management, finances/fund-raising, program registration, and maintaining an active and engaged FMNP Advisory Board. Includes supervision of half-time program assistant.
• Managing FMNP instructor network (~160 current instructors): including recruiting and training new instructors; providing training, support, recognition, and incentives for existing instructors; and ensuring all instructors are delivering FMNP courses consistent with FMNP curricula.
• Keeping FMNP curricula relevant and accurate by updating and revising FMNP courses as deemed best for program instructors and participants. Creating new FMNP courses and/or educational opportunities to keep the FMNP growing and vibrant.
• Maintaining databases and quantifying program success and impacts, including but not necessarily limited to FMNP instructors, graduates, courses taught, and course/instructor evaluations.
• Applying for grants and conducting fundraising to support the FMNP. Maintaining finances and payment options for FMNP instructors and participants.
• Teaching Florida Environments (WIS 2000), a 3-credit undergraduate course based on the three core courses of the FMNP (Coastal, Freshwater, and Upland Systems). Teaching Florida Environments provides opportunities to continually update and revise core courses with new information as needed and for UF students throughout campus to learn about Florida's diverse environments and the plants and animals that rely on them.

Background Information

The University of Florida (UF) is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The University of Florida's main campus is located in Gainesville, which is often recognized as one of Florida's most livable cities and one of the best college towns in America. Located in the heart of beautiful North Central Florida, Gainesville maintains a small-town feel, but offers many amenities found in much larger metro areas. With an expanding downtown, a strong cultural arts following and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, world-class medical care and facilities, and relatively low cost of living, greater Gainesville is one of the best places to work, live and play. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.

The Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (WEC) mission is to foster education, expand knowledge, and reward scholarship using multi-disciplinary approaches for the purpose of understanding, managing, and conserving biological resources. WEC is within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), which includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Florida Sea Grant program. Additionally, the School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. IFAS encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties.

UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Senior Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

A Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in wildlife ecology, forestry, biology (or other discipline if relevant professional experience establishes the applicant as a qualified candidate for leading the FMNP) is required. Additional requirements include knowledge of natural ecosystems and species, the ability to collaborate effectively, and demonstrated leadership skills. Preferred experience includes instructing FMNP courses (or similar programs), managing educational programs and partnerships; familiarity with current conservation issues, especially those impacting the Southeastern United States and Florida; and evidence of ability to work effectively with employees and colleagues. The candidate must be willing to travel as needed and be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant university system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values. 

Preferred

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by August 14, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Contact Information and Nomination Submission

Nominations are welcome.  Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee.

Please refer to Position 00035839 explicitly in the header of your email and forward all nominations to the following two email addresses:

Dr. Katie Sieving
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida/IFAS
Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation
PO Box 110430
Gainesville, FL 32611-0410
Telephone: 352.846.0569
Electronic Mail: chucao@ufl.edu

Karen Webb
Administrative Specialist I
Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation
Telephone: 352-846-0552
Electronic Mail: kw26@ufl.edu

Application Information

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:

• 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 references
• Unofficial transcripts

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.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close:

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/540351

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. 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.