Our Mission
Our mission is to strategically deliver innovative, safe, and efficient facilities services through effective maintenance, technology, project execution, and fiscal responsibility, in support of the research, teaching, and extension missions of IFAS.
Supporting learning and innovation by providing safe, reliable facilities that care for the spaces behind research, teaching, and extension.
About Us
The UF/IFAS Facilities Planning & Operations team is responsible for maintaining facilities across the state of Florida, including the Gainesville campus and 21 units located in Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest and Southeast.
We manage the maintenance and support of UF/IFAS facilities to ensure they operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Our team responds to issues, performs preventive care, and oversees upgrades so that buildings remain functional, compliant, and ready to support daily operations.
Our collaboration with units includes:
- Conducting site visits to identify issues
- Offering project guidance and support
- Assisting with greenhouse facility needs
Facilities we oversee across the state:
13 Research and Education Centers:
- Citrus REC – Lake Alfred
- Everglades Rec – Belle Glade
- Florida Medical Entomology Lab – Vero Beach
- Fort Lauderdale REC – Davie
- Gulf Coast REC – Balm
- Indian River REC – Ft. Pierce
- Mid-Florida REC – Apopka
- North Florida REC- Quincy, Marianna, Live Oak
- Range Cattle REC – Ona
- Southwest Florida REC – Immokalee
- Tropical REC – Homestead
- West Florida REC – Jay
- West Florida REC – Milton
5 Research and Demonstration Sites
- Agricultural Extension Center – Hastings
- Nature Coast Biological Station – Cedar Key
- Ordway-Swisher Biological Station – Melrose
- Plant Science Research and Education Unit – Citra
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory – Ruskin
4-H Camps
Our Team and Impact
The FPO Maintenance Team is responsible for the care of more than 1,400 buildings encompassing over 4 million square feet of space. With a $4 million operating budget, the team completes nearly 15,000 work order requests each year, ensuring that UF/IFAS facilities across Florida remain safe and well-maintained. The team consists of nearly 80 highly skilled professionals, including HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, maintenance generalists, and custodial staff. Together, they provide a full spectrum of services—from preventive maintenance and routine inspections to emergency response and specialized repairs.
The Project Team guides UF/IFAS projects from the earliest concept through close-out. Our four Project Managers help units shape ideas into actionable plans, develop realistic budgets, and coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors. They actively monitor scope, schedule, and quality to keep work on track and aligned with UF/IFAS standards.
Managing more than 150 - 200 active projects statewide with a combined value exceeding $40 million, the team delivers results at scale—from classroom renovations and lab upgrades to new greenhouses and specialized research facilities. As trusted partners, they balance technical requirements with budget realities, safeguard compliance and safety.
Supporting these efforts, the Fiscal and Administrative Team plays a critical role in ensuring that all financial operations run smoothly across FPO. The team processes financial transactions for more than 90 staff members, manages over 670 monthly utility invoices totaling nearly $10 million annually, and oversees more than 1,300 monthly transactions related to maintenance, projects, and utilities. In addition to financial stewardship, the team provides comprehensive administrative support, including human resources functions such as onboarding, payroll coordination, leave management, training, and compliance. We take care of more than 90 employees working across multiple UF/IFAS locations throughout Florida, ensuring they receive the guidance, resources, and support necessary to perform their work effectively.