Agent Associate, Horticulture and Master Gardener

University of Maryland • New York, NY

83d • $49,073 - $63,073

About The Position

This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Howard County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Howard County Horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Howard County, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The position will be located in the Howard County Extension Office in Columbia, Maryland.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, agriculture education or Extension education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Working knowledge of accepted, science-based home horticulture practices.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education or Extension education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• Documented two years’ experience working with volunteers and broad and variating audiences of all socio-economic levels.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funding for projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to horticulture.
• Conduct needs assessments, outreach, and marketing to reach new and broad audiences to support UME's land-grant mission.
• Participate in applied research projects that generate new knowledge and practices to benefit clientele.
• Create and disseminate science-based content based on stakeholder needs, in formats appropriate for the intended target audiences, including fact sheets and other publications, web content, news releases, YouTube videos, blogs posts, podcasts, posters, fliers, infographics, etc.
• Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Howard County, including volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and coordination of community-based projects and programs.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, home fruit and vegetable production, pest control, and other subjects related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and science-based advice in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations promptly and professionally.
• Collect, report and evaluate Home Horticulture and Master Gardener program data in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy.
• Collaborate and partner with university colleagues, with horticultural agricultural organizations and other relevant groups, agencies, and nonprofits to deliver relevant educational programs and products.
• Seek grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support Extension programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary Range Bachelor’s range: $49,073-$63,073, Master’s range: $51,290-$65,290

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree