Horticulture Education Manager & Master Gardener Lead

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

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