Community Gardens Program Specialist

Manatee County Government, Work That Matters; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government, Work That Matters, is seeking a Program Specialist to support Extension education programs in the Agriculture & Extension Division. The role focuses on community gardens, volunteer programs, and public outreach to diverse audiences, including youth aged 5–18, in Palmetto, FL.

Responsibilities include coordinating staff and volunteers, delivering presentations and workshops, developing lesson plans, maintaining safety, and building partnerships with community groups and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversees one or more volunteer programs, including recruitment, training, placement, and scheduling.
• Plans, develops, markets, schedules, and delivers public educational programs, including presentations, workshops, exhibits, and special projects.
• Represents assigned programs at outreach events by staffing booths, setting up and breaking down displays, distributing educational and promotional materials.

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field

Job description

General Information

Work Location: 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Expected Starting Hourly Range: $23.67 - $29.59

Position is responsible for assisting with the delivery of Extension education programs within the Agriculture and Extension Service. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the quality of the instruction, developing and following the lesson outlines, and maintaining the safety of program participants at all times. The Specialist plays a key role in representing the Division.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions: The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Note: Work schedule may include weekends and/or early/late hours and periodically include weeklong overnights (4-H).

Tasks are of more than average difficulty and require that the employee exercise reasonable initiative and independent, judgement. Work with individuals or groups (ages 5 and older) in a variety of settings and weather conditions. Dynamic and often fast-paced environment with potentially stressful situations. Works with the general public, including children, ages 5-18.

Job Description

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from a position.

Area of Assignment: Community Gardens

Works collaboratively with residents and community organizations to establish and support successful community gardens throughout Manatee County. Serves as a liaison among volunteers, partner organizations, and local government to identify suitable garden locations and strengthen partnerships. Provides ongoing support to garden managers through research-based education and resources offered by the Agriculture & Extension Service and connects prospective gardeners with existing community garden opportunities.

Oversees one or more volunteer programs, including recruitment, training, placement, and scheduling. Develops and maintains volunteer program policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards. Maintains accurate and detailed records of volunteer information, assignments, availability, and skill sets to support efficient program operations.

Plans, develops, markets, schedules, and delivers public educational programs, including presentations, workshops, exhibits, and special projects. Evaluates the effectiveness of educational initiatives to ensure continuous program improvement.

Represents assigned programs at outreach events by staffing booths, setting up and breaking down displays, distributing educational and promotional materials, and engaging in public relations activities. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community groups, agencies, and the public through outreach, networking, and partnership development.

Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and governmental agencies to enhance programming and expand community impact. Ensures adherence to all safety procedures to protect staff, volunteers, and program participants.

The Program Specialist plays a key role in administering, promoting, and delivering Extension education programs within the Agriculture & Extension Division, with a strong emphasis on volunteer program development and management. This position is responsible for maintaining instructional quality, preparing and following lesson plans, and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Assists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.

Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components.

Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues.

Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.

Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc.

Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public.

Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc.

Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops. Distributes educational and promotional materials.

Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs.

Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use.

Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.

Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field.

Minimum of two (2) years' experience developing research-based curriculum and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences (including youth, retirees, etc.).

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.

Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.

Able to resolve routine situations and problems.

Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.

Able to communicate routine information clearly.

General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.

General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.

Capable of working independently.

Solid communication skills, both written and oral, and good command of the English language (other language proficiencies welcome).

Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Ability to perform work outside in variable weather conditions.

Ability to adapt to last minute changes in a quick manner using problem solving skills.

Knowledge of experiential learning and interpretive techniques (or willingness to learn).

Skill in the use of personal computers and appropriate software programs. Above average familiarity with Canva and Microsoft Office Suite preferred, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher.

Organization, planning and record-keeping skills.

Knowledge of curriculum/lesson plan development and implementation preferred.

Ability to develop hands-on learning activities and service-based learning education materials.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Full Time Positions

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.
• Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.

Wellbeing Benefits

• Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year)
• Personal Training (5 Free per year)
• Pharmacy Technician
• Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management
• Registered Dietician (5 Free per year)
• Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Personal Sick Leave
• Family Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours)
• Professional Medical Appointment Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Military Training Leave
• FMLA

Vacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week.

Years of Service Vacation Days

• 0-5 16.25 days
• 6-10 19.50 days
• 11+ 22.75 days

• Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives program.

Insurance

• Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost)
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

Retirement

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options.
• 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya.
• FRS Webinars
• Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial planner

Career Wellness

• Professional Leadership Programs
• Instructor-Led and eLearning Training
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Career Counseling
• Toastmasters
• Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance)
• Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awards

Education Benefits

• Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexible Spending Account

• Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.

Permanent Part Time - Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support.
• LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues.

Miscellaneous Benefits

• Workers’ Compensation
• Training/Seminars
• FRS options
• Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders
• Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions
• Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes).

Paid Time Off

• 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Three (3) Personal Holidays
• Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs.

per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis.