Agent Associate, Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener

University of Maryland; Delaware; On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Maryland Extension in Kent County seeks a Faculty Extension Educator (50% FTE) to administer horticulture programs, coordinate Master Gardener activities, and build partnerships for outreach to diverse communities from the Kent County Office in Chestertown, MD.

You will develop seminars, create educational materials, supervise volunteers, respond to clientele, and help collect impact data while coordinating with local agents and campus faculty to deliver high-quality home

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• At least one year working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Willingness to work with a broad audience reflecting all socio-economic perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Availability to work flexible hours; including evening and weekend programs and meetings.
• Valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
• Create educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, and other content for social media and websites.
• Manage the Master Gardener Program in Kent County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and developing collaborations for community-based projects.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for general horticulture information pertaining to lawn care, landscape plants and trees, composting, native plants, pest control, and other subject related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations.
• Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
• Disseminate horticulture information to residents of both counties through news releases and website updates.
• Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating impact data of local home horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD/UME policies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community and other relevant organizations to implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships, especially to reach traditionally underserved audiences.
• Collaborate with other UME faculty and staff on programs and projects of mutual interest.
• Provide supervision and mentoring for the Master Gardener extension program assistant.
• Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Computer literacy

Independent work

Volunteer management

Flexibility

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field

Tools

Computer technology

Job description

Organization's Summary Statement:

University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park. In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, CollegePark; University of Maryland EasternShore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the CollegePark and EasternShore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

This is a half-time position that will work in support of the Kent County Home Horticulture Extension Programs. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Kent County horticulture programs which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture education and activities, training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and marketing. The position will be located in the Kent county office.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
• Create educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, and other content for social media and websites (blogs, videos and pod casts, etc.)
• Manage the Master Gardener Program in Kent County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and developing collaborations for community-based projects.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for general horticulture information pertaining to lawn care, landscape plants and trees, composting, native plants, pest control, and other subject related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner. (This may be done in consultation with the local Agricultural agent in Kent County.)
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
• Disseminate horticulture information to residents of both counties through news releases, website updates, etc.
• Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating impact data of local home horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD/UME policies and protocols.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community and other relevant organizations to implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships, especially to reach traditionally underserved or marginalized audiences to deliver outreach education.
• Collaborate with other UME field- and campus-based faculty and staff on programs and projects of mutual interest when and where appropriate.
• Provide supervision and mentoring for the Master Gardener extension program assistant.
• Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.

Physical Demands:

• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Primary work will occur in an office, but the employee will also be working in gardens, farms, and other outdoor conditions in course of developing demonstration sites, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity: Visual acuity is required for driving, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, and preparing presentations, and identifying plants and pests.

Qualifications: Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• A minimum of one year working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Willingness to work with a broad audience reflecting all socio-economic perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Availability to work flexible hours; including evening and weekend programs and meetings.
• Valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel.

Preferences:

• Master’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• 2 or more years of experience working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Experience in program planning, conducting and delivering community-based programs and conducting collaborative work with other organizations
• Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects

Licenses/ Certifications:

n/a

Additional Job Details Location:

This part-time (50% FTE) position is located off-campus at the Kent County Extension Office in Chestertown, MD.

Regular Salary Range

Bachelor’s Degree: $24,904.50 - $31,904.50 (for 50% FTE), Master's Degree: $26,029.50 - $33,029.50 (for 50% FTE)

Best Consideration Date: 11/16/2026

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department AGNR-UME-Kent Worker Sub-Type Faculty

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, CollegePark is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources

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