Interested in working for the University of West Florida? Please take some time to learn about the area, what we have to offer, and working for UWF.

Go Argos!

Why UWF?

Because UWF is more than just a place to work. We are a family who has close ties to our community, a positive, encouraging atmosphere, and quality programs for the education of our students.

Our main campus features beautiful trees and landscaping, a nature trail boardwalk, and four cross country trails which wind through the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary. While we maintain this natural beauty, we continue to develop new, state-of-the art facilities.

Employees of UWF enjoy access to many amenities including the 10,000 square foot fitness center (free of charge), aquatic facilities/indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool (reduced rate), events at our Center for Fine and Performing Arts (reduced rate), and admission to any of our nationally-ranked athletics events. In Fall 2016, UWF debuted its football team in the NCAA Division II and competes in the Gulf South Conference (GSC). In it's second year, the UWF Argonaut Football team finished as the Division II National Runner Up following a 37-27 loss to No. 8 Texas A&M Commerce in the championship game at Children's Mercy Park.

UWF partners with our community in various ways. Our academic departments promote faculty and student engagement with companies in the region in ways that are mutually beneficial and aligned with university priorities. Eight of our UWF organizations were recognized through Presidential Service Awards for completing hundreds of hours of public service. Additionally, we encourage a culture of educational and community philanthropy. For more information, visit our Career Development and Community Engagement page.

UWF has received formal acknowledgment as being a premier workplace. The Chronicle of Higher Education conducts an annual survey of participating colleges and UWF has been named a "Great College To Work For". The Great Colleges program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country.

Why Pensacola?

In addition to being a wonderful place to work, Pensacola and Northwest Florida is a great place to live! Some of Pensacola's claims to fame are:

Rich Historian Heritage

Pensacola's history goes back to 1559 when Don Tristan de Luna attempted the first major settlement in America. St. Augustine may be the "oldest continuously occupied" settlement, but Pensacola was the "first.” Our Historic Pensacola Village (part of the UWF Historic Trust) showcases life in early Pensacola and other periods in our past. Our Palafox Historic District, spanning from Chase to Zaragoza streets and Spring to Tarragona streets in downtown Pensacola, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We are known as the “City of Five Flags” because of our history of being ruled by Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy and the United States. This gives our area a broad and unique cultural heritage with many influences.

Pensacola is recognized as being the cradle, or birthplace, of Naval Aviation as we are home to the first U.S. Naval Air Station (NAS). It was created in 1914 and is still in existence today. NAS is also home to the world renowned Blue Angels (the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron), the National Naval Aviation Museum (the world’s largest naval aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in Florida), and the National Flight Academy.

Cost of Living and Housing

The greater Pensacola area has a wide variety of surroundings in which to live – bay front, historic locales, country settings, or suburban areas, to name a few. According to Forbes, the cost of living in our area is 11.0% below the national average and the median home price is $262,000 (as of May 2024).

Events and Activities

Our community is full of major musical, culinary, and cultural events that keep us busy all year long. Among our annual celebrations are the Pensacola Seafood Festival, Mardi Gras, Crawfish Festival, Greater Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and the Fiesta of Five Flags. More regularly, we enjoy Gallery Night, Blue Wahoos baseball games (double-A affiliate of Cincinnati Reds), Evenings in Olde Seville Square, Bands on the Beach, Blue Angels air shows, Winterfest, and Pensacola Ice Flyers hockey games.

UWF Strategic Plan for 2022-2027

The University of West Florida's (UWF) Strategic Plan drives the University’s growth and impact through seven focused strategic directions. The UWF Strategic Plan for 2022-2027 builds upon the solid foundation of teaching, research and service established since we opened our doors in 1967. The plan is built on seven strategic directions and highlights priorities for transformation and growth. This plan was approved by the UWF Board of Trustees during the June 2022 meeting and by the Florida Board of Governors during the September 2022 meeting. The revised version of the plan was approved during the June 2025 Board of Trustees meeting.

The seven focused strategic directions are:

  • Student Centered and Focused
  • Employee Success
  • Exceptional Academic Programming and Scholarship Aligned with State Needs
  • Community and Economic Engagement
  • Infrastructure
  • Operational Excellence
  • Culture of Respect and Civility

For the complete Strategic Plan, please visit our website where you can download the full report.

2030 State University System of Florida Strategic Plan

SUS 30 is the new strategic plan for the State University System of Florida. It defines the mission, vision, values, and priority areas that will guide the System through 2030. Our values make an IMPACT through Integrity, Modeling Excellence, Pursuing Knowledge, Access & Affordability, Collaboration, and Transformative Innovation.

Veterans' Preference

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of West Florida (UWF) and welcome to the Veterans’ Preference page! We are grateful for your service to our country and pleased with your interest in employment at UWF.

In compliance with Chapter 295, Florida Statute, the University of West Florida is committed to providing preference to United States veterans, their spouses, and family members eligible for preference with regard to hiring, promotion, and retention for preference eligible University Work Force positions. Positions that qualify for Veterans’ Preference will be denoted on the job posting.

Who Qualifies for Preference?

  • A disabled veteran who has served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, has received an honorable discharge, and has established the present existence of a service-connected disability that is compensable under public laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or who is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense.
  • The spouse of a person who has a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from a service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment, and the spouse of a person missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • A wartime veteran as defined in s. 1.01(14), who has served at least one day during a wartime period. Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
  • The unremarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.
  • The mother, father, legal guardian, or unremarried widow or widower of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in the line of duty under combat-related conditions, as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • A veteran as defined in s. 1.01(14), F.S. Active duty for training may not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
  • A current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.

Veterans must have been honorably discharged as indicated on their DD214 to be eligible for preference. Eligible applicants who meet the requirements for the position are guaranteed preference at every step throughout the hiring process.

Applicants Claiming Veterans’ Preference

Certain instances may require additional documentation be submitted. Human Resources will contact the applicant should additional documentation be required.