Education/Training Spec III, FFL Youth Education Coordinator - University of Florida

Program Development and Coordination:

Develop, conduct, and evaluate engaging FFL content for a K-12 audience.

Develop and maintain a library of resources on the FFL website.

Work with partners to develop new resources. This may include working with 4H, Future Farmers of America, public and private schools, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Green Schools Program, the Florida Department of Education, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Serve as the primary point of contact for UF/IFAS county extension agents, ensuring they are informed about FFL youth initiatives and equipped with the necessary resources for successful implementation of the youth curriculum.

Organize in-service training sessions to gather input and feedback from county extension FFL staff and provide necessary training on scienced-based landscape and programmatic information.

Develop community partnerships and collaborate with local volunteers, organizations, agencies, and UF/IFAS colleagues to promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices. Traveling to various locations throughout Florida will be required.

Content Development:

Create and maintain engaging youth educational content, including age-appropriate curriculum, workbooks, brochures, website content, and other related materials.

Develop, facilitate and conduct train the trainer curriculum for county extension personnel on how to involve youth in the FFL program.

Evaluate training material effectiveness and achievement of learning outcomes and implement changes or adjustments as needed.

Administrative Coordination:

Establish a comprehensive management strategy to ensure program policies, enrollment, record keeping, and procedures are updated and effective.

Provide administrative oversight to the program, including program promotion, management of the clientele database, program evaluation, event planning, website content, and quarterly and annual reporting.

Establish and maintain an advisory group to assist with extension program design, direction, and operation.

Participate in program meetings and advisory committee meetings.

Prepare information for inclusion in quarterly and annual reports.

Travel:

Travel for educational events, trainings, or FFL youth projects including driving to county, district, and state events.

Assume other responsibilities that benefit the FFL program as assigned by the Director.

Master’s degree in horticultural sciences, environmental science, community development, leadership, or a closely related field. Two years of successful professional experience in environmental issues. The ability to multitask among the various FFL and UF/IFAS educational programs and their ancillary staff. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and interpersonal relationships.

Must be able to travel frequently throughout Florida, occasionally for multiple nights.

Must be able to meet strict deadlines & work well with a variety of people.

A basic understanding and working knowledge of the UF/IFAS Extension land grant mission, funding, and reporting practices.

Past working experiences that demonstrate effective speaking, listening and group facilitation skills.

Past work experience demonstrates good organizational skills and sound judgement, including the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate time, manage overall workflow, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Demonstrated proficiency in computer application/technical skills regarding standard office equipment and desire to learn and further incorporate innovative technologies to enhance performance.

An understanding of water as it relates to natural resources and the environment: wetlands; watershed education; ecosystems services; and consensus between water users, the regulatory community, and environmental stakeholders.

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Experience working with diverse youth and adult audiences.

Skill in planning a variety of programs for the target audiences.

Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles

Ability to operate a computer and knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Verbal and written instructions for training purposes, program delivery, and procedural forms.  Additional instructions on an as-needed basis.  Must be able to work independently and in a team.  This position reports to the FFL Director with daily activities assigned by the FFL Assistant Director.

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.  Occasional weekends or evenings may be necessary. Some travel required to meet with statewide faculty and to participate in meetings and conferences.

Must currently have a valid Florida driver’s license.

Use state and local Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ regulatory standards to interpret for individual homeowners, organizations or community associations’ water resource protection.
Confer with the appropriate county or state regulatory authorities or responsible departments to uniformly apply Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ concepts and practices guided by local and state statutes.

PROGRAM DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Assists FFL Director in development and coordination of the FFL program materials as outlined in the grant guidelines

Incumbent will interact daily with statewide faculty, other agencies, community leaders and residents throughout Florida.

Not expected to be responsible for confidential material. Person shall keep all records of all data collected at university facilities on campus in files and computers within the department.

CREATIVITY, STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP: