Extension Program Assistant/Associate-Volunteer Coordinator

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid tuition

Health Insurance

Flexible Scheduling

Retirement Savings

WolfPerks!

Job summary

North Carolina State University Extension is seeking an Extension Program Assistant/Associate to coordinate volunteers for the New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, overseeing recruitment, training, and recognition across multiple programs and events.

The role focuses on public-facing programming, volunteer engagement, and coordinating grounds events, with a Tuesday–Saturday schedule and a strong emphasis on community impact in the Wilmington area.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; advanced training in related fields is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for volunteer coordination and public-facing interactions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and events with accuracy and courtesy.

Responsibilities

• Volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination across Extension programs and Arboretum grounds volunteers.
• Schedule and coordinate events on Arboretum grounds including elopements and photography sessions.
• Manage volunteer staffing, coverage, and on-site support for annual community events.
• Provide excellent customer service to visitors and volunteers during weekend operations.
• Design and implement volunteer recognition initiatives to maintain high retention.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Advanced training in related fields preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number PG190889CE

Position Number SE-00060818-0926

Position Type NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

Job City & State Wilmington North Carolina

Department NCCE-New Hanover County Center

System Information

Working Title Extension Program Assistant/Associate-Volunteer Coordinator

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Job Type Full-Time - Permanent

FTE 1.00

Position Overview

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

Essential Job Duties

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/ ) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

This position supports New Hanover County Cooperative Extension programs and the New Hanover County Arboretum, specifically focusing on volunteer recruitment, coordination, and recognition across multiple program areas; and overseeing the coordination of public and private grounds events, and large-scale Extension events.

Primary Function Of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

The City of Wilmington is the county seat and is rich in historical significance and home to many recreational and cultural sites and events. Important contributors to the local economy include the state port, tourism, filmmaking, manufacturing, and financial technology.

More information about New Hanover County Extension Center, visit their website: https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu

Other Duties And Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

• Volunteer Coordination & Recruitment: Provide recruitment, training, and coordination for volunteers across our Extension programs and events, Arboretum grounds volunteers, gift shop volunteers, tours, and others.
• Grounds & Event Scheduling: Schedule and coordinate events on the Arboretum grounds, serving as the primary point of contact for elopements, after-hours professional photography sessions, and Saturday Cooperative Extension or partner events.
• Event Coordination: Manage volunteer staffing, shift coverage, logistics, and on-site support for annual community events, including the Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale, Art in the Arboretum, TreeFest, and the Cape Fear Native Plant Festival.
• Weekend Operations: Serve as the primary on-site staff person on Saturdays, ensuring a welcoming environment, providing customer service to visitors, and managing volunteer shifts for the gift shop and public event staff coverage.
• Volunteer Recognition: Design, coordinate, and execute volunteer appreciation initiatives, service milestones, annual thank-you events, and recognition to maintain high volunteer retention and morale.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Supervisory

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises 0

Percent of Time Spent 0%

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key Not Applicable

Work Schedule Tuesday through Saturday schedule (40 hours per week).

Minimum Experience/Education

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE ) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

Department Required Skills

• Engaging, relationship-focused interpersonal skills; enjoys working closely with the volunteer base and providing responsive customer service.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines and multiple program priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, friendly volunteer updates, event instructions, and public-facing messages.
• Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Docs); comfortable with email, spreadsheets, basic database entry.
• Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday schedule and comfortably navigate the 7-acre Arboretum grounds during events and weekend operations.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Experience with volunteer coordination or event management.
• General knowledge of horticulture or community education, with a strong interest in public-facing, volunteer-driven programming.

Required License Or Certification

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Physical Required? No

List Any Other Medical/drug Tests Required

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range $32,562 commensurate with experience and education.

Internal Transfer Only No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 09/08/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/234502

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.