Community Gardens Program Specialist

Manatee County Government•Palmetto, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist plays a key role in administering, promoting, and delivering Extension education programs within the Agriculture & Extension Division, with a strong emphasis on volunteer program development and management. This position is responsible for maintaining instructional quality, preparing and following lesson plans, and ensuring a safe learning environment. The Program Specialist also serves as a primary representative of the division, fostering community engagement and providing horticultural and entomological expertise to program participants, volunteers, and the public. Assists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program. Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components. Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues. Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc. Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc. Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public. Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc. Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops. Distributes educational and promotional materials. Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs. Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use. Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor. Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field.
Minimum of two (2) years' experience developing research-based curriculum and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences (including youth, retirees, etc.).
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.
Able to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.
Able to resolve routine situations and problems.
Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.
Able to communicate routine information clearly.
General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.
General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.
Capable of working independently.
Solid communication skills, both written and oral, and good command of the English language (other language proficiencies welcome).
Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to perform work outside in variable weather conditions.
Ability to adapt to last minute changes in a quick manner using problem solving skills.
Knowledge of experiential learning and interpretive techniques (or willingness to learn).
Skill in the use of personal computers and appropriate software programs.
Organization, planning and record-keeping skills.
Ability to develop hands-on learning activities and service-based learning education materials.

Nice To Haves

Above average familiarity with Canva and Microsoft Office Suite preferred, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher.
Knowledge of curriculum/lesson plan development and implementation preferred.

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with residents and community organizations to establish and support successful community gardens throughout Manatee County.
Serves as a liaison among volunteers, partner organizations, and local government to identify suitable garden locations and strengthen partnerships.
Provides ongoing support to garden managers through research-based education and resources offered by the Agriculture & Extension Service and connects prospective gardeners with existing community garden opportunities.
Oversees one or more volunteer programs, including recruitment, training, placement, and scheduling.
Develops and maintains volunteer program policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational standards.
Maintains accurate and detailed records of volunteer information, assignments, availability, and skill sets to support efficient program operations.
Plans, develops, markets, schedules, and delivers public educational programs, including presentations, workshops, exhibits, and special projects.
Evaluates the effectiveness of educational initiatives to ensure continuous program improvement.
Represents assigned programs at outreach events by staffing booths, setting up and breaking down displays, distributing educational and promotional materials, and engaging in public relations activities.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community groups, agencies, and the public through outreach, networking, and partnership development.
Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and governmental agencies to enhance programming and expand community impact.
Ensures adherence to all safety procedures to protect staff, volunteers, and program participants.
Assists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.
Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components.
Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues.
Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program.
Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.
Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc.
Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public.
Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc.
Represents assigned program at outreach events.
Staffs program booth/table at events.
Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits.
Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops.
Distributes educational and promotional materials.
Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties.
Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs.
Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use.
Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.
Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.