POSITION TITLE: Extension Assistant Professor
Hiring Organization/Employer: University of Florida
Application Deadline: 9/1/2026
Education Required: PhD
Location: Gainsville, FL
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.
Compensation & Benefits:
Commensurate with Education and Experience
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.
Preferred 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.
How to Apply:
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