Garden & History Program Specialist, Rock Eagle

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Garden & History Program Specialist for the Rock Eagle 4-H Center to manage educational programs and gardens. This role involves creating a teaching garden, conducting Native American classes, and maintaining teaching materials. Ideal candidates have a background in education or natural sciences, and the ability to foster youth engagement and interest in history.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge through apprenticeship, degree, or certification.
• Preferred Bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
• Ability to achieve outdoor instructor status and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the Rock Eagle 4-H Gardens and history components.
• Develop and facilitate environmental education programming.
• Train and evaluate education staff and summer camp staff.

Skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Communication Skills

Leadership Abilities

Strong Work Ethic

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, natural science, environmental education, biology, forestry, or related fields

2-year degree or professional certificate

Job description

Posting Number:

S13164P

Working Title:

Garden & History Program Specialist, Rock Eagle

Department:

CAES-Rock Eagle 4-H Center

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Hours may vary based on the needs of the center. Some nights and weekends expected.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

01/31/2025

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

02/17/2025

Location of Vacancy:

Rock Eagle 4-H Center

EEO Policy Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title:

Public Service Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (in education, natural science, environmental education, biology, forestry, outdoor education or related fields) are preferred. Seeking individuals who exhibit creativity, flexibility, communications skills, leadership abilities, and a strong work ethic.

Position Summary:

The Garden and History Program Specialist is an integral position for the Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Eatonton, GA) Environmental Education department, and the person in this role will give direct instructional support to participants in the Environmental Education and Summer Camping programs, as well as adult/youth conference groups attending Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The Garden and History Program Specialist will be responsible for the following areas:

• Planning and Planting of a Teaching Garden: 72’ x 85’ garden planted seasonally and designed for youth interaction with crops. Tasks will consist of planning crops, plot rotations, harvesting, record keeping, managing garden staff
• Development of a community garden program
• Historic buildings: Sterling House, Elizabeth House, Tompkins Inn, and several covered teaching spaces
• Upkeep of pioneer tools: brace and bit, shaving horse, saws, pullies, etc.
• Upkeep of Blacksmith Forge
• Care for live animals: 14 chickens and 2 sheep
• Native American Classes and Curriculum; including statewide education boxes available for check out
• Rock Eagle Hike Curriculum and materials that relate to Forest Ecology and the Rock Eagle Effigy
• Diane Davies Natural History Museum historic exhibits

Additional responsibilities include seasonal education staff training, curriculum development, and maintenance of teaching spaces, and class materials. Someone who is creative, dependable, and has a service-based mentality would be a good fit for this role. A person with a genuine interest in history (especially of the 1800-1950s timeframe) would be able to express that passion in this role.

Daytime, evening, and weekend work are often necessary. During the summer months the Program Specialist will assist with programs and activities for the summer camping program.

The Garden and History Program Specialist will need to achieve Red Cross Instructor status for First Aid/CPR and ACCT Level 2 instructor status to facilitate our high ropes course. Training will be provided at no cost to the employee.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Knowledge in the planning and coordinating of youth education programs.
• Ability to provide programmatic and facilitation support for the environmental education program. Fundamental knowledge of computers and applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults.
• Ability to achieve instructor status in CPRO, and basic first aid.
• Broad knowledge of the natural environment and comfort working outdoors.

Physical Demands:

• Work in adverse physical and weather conditions.
• Walk at least 4 miles daily.
• Lift 50 pounds.
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Plan, develop, and manage all components of the Rock Eagle 4-H Gardens including the 2-acre garden site, history garden, herb garden, chickens, and goats.

Percentage of time:

25

Duties/Responsibilities:

Provide leadership for the history component of the environmental education program including Scott Pioneer site and Tompkins Inn.

Percentage of time:

15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assist with developing, planning, evaluating, marketing, and implementing all programs within the environmental education program.

Percentage of time:

15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Maintain teaching spaces, materials, and development of the Garden and Scott Pioneer site.

Percentage of time:

15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assist/ teach with environmental education programming including high and low ropes programs.

Percentage of time:

15

Duties/Responsibilities:

Assist with training and evaluating summer camp staff.

Percentage of time:

15

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Lauren Kuschner

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]