Ornamental Horticultural Assistant

Hillsborough County • Tampa, FL

8d

About The Position

Provides technical, administrative, and science-based horticultural and educational support to the Extension Agent, the public, the Master Gardener Volunteer program, and community partner initiatives. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, service-oriented professional with a strong foundation in residential horticulture and a passion for public education and volunteer support. They have at least a high school diploma or GED and two or more years of experience in horticulture or a related life science field, including hands-on plant care, plant diagnostics, soil pH testing, IPM practices, and volunteer coordination; an associate’s degree or horticulture certification and experience with UF/IFAS Extension or Master Gardener programs are preferred. This individual communicates clearly and effectively with the public, volunteers, and colleagues, and is skilled at preparing educational materials, supporting workshops, and using research-based UF/IFAS resources to address client inquiries. They are detail-oriented, adaptable, and proficient with Microsoft Office, cloud-based platforms, webinar tools, social media, and emerging technologies such as AI. Dependable and collaborative, the ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and strong customer commitment while being physically capable of indoor and outdoor work in a subtropical environment, including occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response duties.

Requirements

• Knowledge of researched-based plant care, IPM, plant, insect, and disease identification skills and sustainable landscape practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, able to teach, write, and present information to the public.
• Volunteer management skills and familiarity with university-based research resources.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines, schedules, and multiple priorities.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), familiarity with AI tools and managing social media content.
• Skilled at using cloud-based file sharing platforms OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Google Workspace, as well as webinar set-up and facilitation.
• Able to make collated, double-sided photocopies on a variety of office equipment on a daily basis, including basic troubleshooting equipment.
• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; AND Two years of experience working in horticulture, entomology, biology, life sciences, natural resources, or related field; Experience with volunteer coordination/management.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Nice To Haves

• An associate's degree or certification in horticulture is strongly preferred.
• Experience with UF/IFAS Master Gardener programs or extension education.

Responsibilities

• Plant Clinic / Help Desk and Soil Testing Lab Staff and support the Plant Clinic/Help Desk and coordinate Master Gardener Volunteer coverage.
• Respond to residential horticulture inquiries using UF/IFAS resources via phone, email, and in person.
• Maintain accurate electronic client contact records.
• Manage Plant Clinic and Soil Testing Lab reference materials, supplies, equipment, and volunteer staffing; conduct soil pH tests as needed.
• Assist with routine care of demonstration gardens, including planting, pruning, propagation, watering, and general landscape maintenance.
• Monitor garden areas for pests and diseases and apply Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Maintain tools, storage areas, and perform site cleanup.
• Assist with recruitment, screening, interviews, training logistics, and recordkeeping for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in accordance with state guidelines.
• Prepare and distribute routine communications related to Master Gardener Volunteer activities.
• Train, schedule, and support Master Gardener Volunteers assigned to the Plant Clinic, Soil Testing Lab, and demonstration gardens.
• Maintain familiarity with current horticultural research and recommendations from UF/IFAS and other land-grant institutions.
• Assist with program planning, educational material development, workshops, outreach events, and Extension marketing and communications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED