Master Gardener Coordinator - Halifax County

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech invites applications for a Master Gardener Coordinator in Halifax County to lead the local Master Gardener program, recruit and train volunteers, and coordinate education efforts with the ANR agent and unit staff.

This part-time, county-funded position is paid hourly and requires occasional evening/weekend work, plus background checks. The role focuses on engagement and retention of volunteers and delivery of research-based horticulture education.

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture, botany, landscaping, or a related field.
• Master Gardener certification.
• Experience working with volunteers, including coordination or management.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with ornamental and edible plant systems and extension programming is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coordination for the Master Gardener program in Halifax County.
• Recruit, train, engage, and retain local Master Gardener volunteers.
• Collaborate with the ANR agent and unit staff to deliver horticulture education.

Skills

Horticulture

Botany

Landscaping

Master Gardener Certification

Volunteer management

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related

Experience in Extension/outreach programming

Job description

Job Description

The Master Gardener Coordinator provides leadership and coordination for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program in Halifax County. Working collaboratively with the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent and unit staff, this position supports the delivery of research-based horticulture education to the public. The Coordinator is responsible for managing and supporting local Master Gardener volunteers, with a focus on recruitment, training, engagement, and retention.

Required Qualifications

Experience in horticulture, botany, landscaping, or a related field. Master Gardener certification. Experience working with volunteers, including coordination or management. Demonstrated supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related discipline. Experience with ornamental and edible plant systems. Experience in Extension, outreach education, or community-based programming.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Hourly Wage

Salary Information

$18 - $25

Hours per week

20

Review Date

September 1, 2026

Additional Information

This position is a part-time, county-funded position, limited to 20 hours per week. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work. Travel within the service area may be necessary.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Robert Irby at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.