Master Gardener Coordinator - Delaware County

The Pennsylvania State University; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a Master Gardener Coordinator in Delaware County to oversee the Master Gardener volunteer program, recruit and train new trainees, and deliver education on research-based sustainable horticulture to county residents.

The Coordinator works under supervision with the Area Coordinator and the State Master Gardener Coordinator, collaborating with MG volunteers to promote Extension programs and provide meaningful outreach to the

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers.
• Strong organizational and communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Master Gardener volunteer program in Delaware County.
• Recruit and train Master Gardener trainees.
• Provide education on research-based sustainable horticulture practices to county residents.
• Coordinate with volunteers to deliver high-quality outreach activities.
• Ensure volunteer compliance with program policies.

Skills

Volunteer management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in horticulture/environmental science/human sciences

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. This is an 75 % full-time equivalency (FTE) job. This position will work 30 hours per week. This position is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% Full-time position. Full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a Master Gardener Coordinator in Delaware County. The Master Gardener Coordinator will oversee the general function and activities of the Penn State Extension Master Gardener (MG) volunteer program in Delaware County including recruitment and training of new Master Gardener trainees. The Coordinator works under the supervision of the Area Coordinator and the State Master Gardener Coordinator. The Coordinator will work closely with MG volunteers to provide education on research-based sustainable horticulture practices and environmental stewardship to county residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the Penn State Extension Master Gardener spokesperson for Delaware County. Communicate with partners, county leadership, researchers, staff and volunteers to deliver education to the public. Be available consistently at the Extension Office for volunteer support and guidance and to answer inquiries about the Master Gardener program. Engage community members as appropriate to promote Extension, the Master Gardener Program and Penn State.
• Manage the efforts of the Master Gardener volunteers to develop and deliver high-quality, research-based educational programming to the public; evaluate and report Master Gardener outreach activities. Identify opportunities and educational needs of consumers and stakeholders in the county. Empower, organize, and lead Master Gardener volunteers to educate county residents about horticultural and environmental issues through community outreach projects. Ensure volunteer compliance with the Master Gardener Policy Statement.
• Train Master Gardeners to evaluate homeowner growing practices and solve cultural/maintenance problems through education. Manage the Garden Hotline, staffed by Master Gardener volunteers to answer homeowner questions on pest problems and general home gardening questions utilizing researched-based information.
• Train Master Gardener Volunteers to educate the public on the identification, life cycle, current distribution, host range, phenology and management of invasive species identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Governor's Invasive Species Council, utilizing the latest science-based information available.
• Identify youth program opportunities within the county and engage with community partners, 4-H, schools, and local organizations to deliver youth programming.
• Coordinate business/program development meetings for all county Master Gardener volunteers. Organize continuing education opportunities for Master Gardener volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers. Strong organizational and communications skills.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in horticulture, environmental science or human sciences. Ability to inspire and develop leadership in individuals and committees. Ability to build and maintain community partnerships. Experience in adult or non-formal education.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging.

We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom - it's the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania's sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters - more than half a million strong - driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.