Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener – Part Time

University of Maryland; United States; Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Maryland is seeking a half-time Faculty Extension Educator to support Kent County home horticulture programs, coordinate Master Gardener activities, and collaborate with community partners.

This role involves developing seminars, creating publications and digital content, mentoring volunteers, and delivering outreach to diverse audiences while ensuring program impact and compliance with funding and university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Volunteer management

Independent work

Time management

Flexibility

Public outreach

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field

Master's degree in horticulture or related field

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

The University of Maryland is seeking a half-time Faculty Extension Educator to support Kent County home horticulture programs, coordinate Master Gardener activities, and collaborate with community partners.

This role involves developing seminars, creating publications and digital content, mentoring volunteers, and delivering outreach to diverse audiences while ensuring program impact and compliance with funding and university policies.