Master Gardener Extension Program Worker

Michigan State University; Michigan; Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational outreach organization is seeking a position to support Extension Master Gardener volunteers. Responsibilities include screening volunteers, assisting with program needs, and providing horticulture-related assistance. The role is remote-friendly, with occasional travel required. Candidates should have strong horticultural knowledge and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and knowledge of social, cultural and economic diversity.

Responsibilities

• Support Extension Master Gardener volunteers and assist the horticulture educator.
• Screen prospective volunteers through references and interviews.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Skills

Familiarity with horticulture

Experience working with volunteers

Effective oral and written communication skills

Proficiency in use of technology

Education

Combination of education and relevant experience

Tools

Volunteer Central

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Qualtrics

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Overview

Position Summary (Basic Job Function): In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary: Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Responsibilities

This position offers support for Extension Master Gardener volunteers and assists the consumer horticulture educator in completing program requirements. The coordinator will screen prospective volunteers by collecting references, conducting interviews, advise volunteers in program policies, and assist volunteers in locating appropriate projects. Ten hours per week are expected for this role, and some duties may be performed remotely. Occasional evening or weekend hours could be required to facilitate Extension Master Gardener classes or programming in Macomb County.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with horticulture and the ability to answer questions about plant health care by phone or email.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Ability to use Volunteer Central.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Required application materials

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Remote Work

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.