Part-time Master Gardener Coordinator, Somerset County

Penn State Univeristy; New Jersey; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate individual to lead the Master Gardener Program in Somerset County. This part-time role involves coordinating volunteers, providing education on sustainable horticulture, and fostering community partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Horticulture or Environmental Science and have strong leadership and organizational skills. Join a dynamic team committed to advancing sustainability and community engagement, where your contributions will make a significant impact on local residents and the environment. If you are enthusiastic about horticulture and community service, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Degree in Horticulture or Environmental Science required.
• Strong organizational and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Master Gardener Program and manage volunteer operations.
• Provide community outreach on horticultural and environmental issues.

Skills

Volunteer Management

Leadership Development

Community Partnership Building

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Horticulture Knowledge

Environmental Science Knowledge

Education

Degree in Horticulture

Degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Microsoft Suite

SharePoint

Zoom

Outlook

Web Browsers

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

This individual will coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Somerset County and will work closely with the Master Gardeners to provide education on sustainable horticulture practices to the residents of the county. This position is administratively responsible to the Area Master Gardener Coordinator and the State Master Gardener Coordinator. As Master Gardener (MG) Coordinator, the candidate will direct and coordinate the operations of the MG volunteer program in Somerset County and work with the Area MG Coordinator to maintain a strong program in the county. Also coordinate with other county MG Coordinators as appropriate.

Duties include:

1. Serve as the Master Gardener spokesperson in Somerset County.
2. Serve as the liaison between the County Extension offices, the state-level MG Program and the volunteers.
3. With the assistance of the MG volunteers, provide community outreach to educate consumers about horticultural and environmental issues in the county.
4. Work with Master Volunteer Committees to: initiate, staff, manage, evaluate, and prepare program impact reports; recruit, select, and train new volunteers; assure volunteers’ compliance with Penn State policies; oversee volunteer projects; identify and promote volunteer professional development opportunities; manage business/program development meetings for volunteers; manage volunteer fiscal matters.
5. Engage community members as appropriate to promote Extension, the Master Gardener Program and Penn State.
6. Develop revenue enhancement strategies to obtain additional resources for the Master Gardener Program.
7. Identify opportunities and educational needs of consumers and stakeholders and strengthen or extend the program by maintaining a working relationship with the county, and other organizations as appropriate.
8. Use technology, mass media and personal contacts in the delivery and management of high-quality Extension educational programs.
9. Ensure compliance with the affirmative action plan. Through public notification and “All Reasonable Efforts,” make all programs accessible to clientele without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
10. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the State Master Gardener Coordinator.
11. Attend occasional out-of-town or overnight meetings.

Required Qualifications: Degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or similar field; ability to manage volunteers; ability to inspire and develop leadership in individuals and committees; ability to build and maintain community partnerships; strong organizational and communications skills (both oral and written). Computer literacy including Microsoft Suite, SharePoint, Zoom, Outlook email and web browsers. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience managing volunteers, horticulture background, environmental science or related education, experience in adult or non-formal education.

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

This job requires the following 3 publicly available clearances:

1. PA State Police Criminal Background Check
2. PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
3. FBI Criminal Background Check

This position is part-time for 20 hours per week.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.