Education/Training Spec III, FFL Youth Education Coordinator

Full-time - Mid Level

Gainesville, FL

Educational Services

About the position

The Education/Training Spec III, FFL Youth Education Coordinator position at the University of Florida involves the development, coordination, and evaluation of engaging Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) content tailored for a K-12 audience. The role requires the individual to create and maintain a comprehensive library of resources on the FFL website, collaborating with various partners such as 4H, Future Farmers of America, public and private schools, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Schools Program. The coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for UF/IFAS county extension agents, ensuring they are well-informed about FFL youth initiatives and equipped with the necessary resources for successful implementation of the youth curriculum. In addition to program development, the coordinator will be responsible for organizing in-service training sessions to gather input and feedback from county extension FFL staff, providing necessary training on science-based landscape and programmatic information. The role also involves developing community partnerships and collaborating with local volunteers, organizations, agencies, and UF/IFAS colleagues to promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices. The position requires travel to various locations throughout Florida for educational events, trainings, and FFL youth projects. The coordinator will create and maintain engaging youth educational content, including age-appropriate curriculum, workbooks, brochures, and website content. They will also develop and facilitate train-the-trainer curriculum for county extension personnel, evaluating the effectiveness of training materials and making necessary adjustments. Administrative coordination is a key aspect of the role, which includes establishing a comprehensive management strategy for program policies, enrollment, record keeping, and procedures, as well as providing oversight for program promotion, management of the clientele database, program evaluation, event planning, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• 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, including collaboration with 4H, Future Farmers of America, and public/private schools.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for UF/IFAS county extension agents regarding FFL youth initiatives.
• Organize in-service training sessions for county extension FFL staff.
• Develop community partnerships and collaborate with local volunteers and organizations to promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices.
• Create and maintain engaging youth educational content, including curriculum and related materials.
• Develop and facilitate train-the-trainer curriculum for county extension personnel.
• Evaluate training material effectiveness and implement changes as needed.
• Establish a comprehensive management strategy for program policies and procedures.
• Provide administrative oversight to the program, including program promotion and event planning.
• Prepare information for quarterly and annual reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to multitask among various FFL and UF/IFAS educational programs.
• Basic understanding of the UF/IFAS Extension land grant mission, funding, and reporting practices.
• Past working experiences that demonstrate effective speaking, listening, and group facilitation skills.
• Good organizational skills and sound judgment, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.
• Experience working with diverse youth and adult audiences.
• Knowledge of Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options
• Tuition reimbursement