Hourly Pooled - Sweetwater County Horticulture Coordinator, UW Extension

University of Wyoming•Rock Springs, WY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you seeking a career that will allow you to positively impact Wyoming communities and people? Do you value public service and seek an outlet that allows you to serve the public through educational programs you create? Are you committed to lifelong learning and find value in sharing that with others? Then please consider applying for this open position. The mission of University of Wyoming Extension (UWE) is to empower the people of Wyoming to make choices that enhance their quality of life. By actively involving Wyoming people, institutions, and communities, UWE shows a commitment to relevance, people, connectivity, accountability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and respect. With this in mind, UWE will be responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people of Wyoming as we provide learning for better living. If you seek a rewarding career that allows you to be a part of this mission and vision, please consider this open position. The Sweetwater County Horticulture Coordinator will administer the Master Gardener volunteer program and meet the horticulture needs of community members by developing, delivering, and evaluating educational opportunities and research-based information on topics such as cultivation of gardens and landscapes, tree care, insect and disease identification and management, etc. This will be accomplished primarily through individual consultations in the office and during off-site yard visits, educational programs and events, as well as media products/releases. This position is based in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the county seat for Sweetwater County.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a related field, and
One year of work experience in horticulture or a related field, or
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to fulfill essential duties and responsibilities
Reliable transportation and valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP .

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture or a related field
Vocational or professional training in horticulture
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a team of adult volunteers
Demonstrated ability to provide timely, research-based information and education to volunteers and clientele
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through interpersonal interactions, speaking, and writing
Demonstrated ability to interact positively with youth and adults

Responsibilities

Program Development and Delivery
Administer Sweetwater County’s Master Gardener volunteer program; organize and coordinate Master Gardeners’ schedules; teach Master Gardener classes; facilitate Master Gardener training; and assist as needed in the coordination of the state Master Gardener program.
Administer the community garden program (if applicable).
Provide direct horticulture support through yard calls and answering horticulture inquiries.
Provide educational programs about horticulture to various groups and organizations throughout the county.
Establish professional relationships with Extension Specialists and other scientific experts to ensure programming is rooted in research-based information and initiatives appropriate for this position.
Identify and implement strategies to expand the reach of educational programming, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of community participants and staff with varying backgrounds and experiences.
Develop and support community partnerships that expand programmatic impact.
Maintain an awareness of current problems and concerns within the horticulture industry.
Maintain an awareness of related community resources.
Volunteer Systems
Identify needs/opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of Master Gardeners through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
Address issues/conflicts that arise with volunteer roles.
Communication and Reporting
Develop and maintain respectful and responsive working relationships with volunteers, colleagues, community partners, clientele, and the general public.
Interact positively with youth and adults.
Develop content for media sources (e.g., newsletters, newspapers, radio, web, social media, podcasts, etc.) to promote programs, report on program impacts, and provide educational information to the public.
Collect data and prepare reports and presentations to share with local officials and others about the accomplishments, impacts, and public value of horticulture programming.
Operate modern office machines and equipment including PCs, scanners, printers, copiers; routinely use a full range of word processing, database, and spreadsheet software applications.
Program Operations
Secure external funding to support and expand educational programming.
Ensure potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
Plan for and manage risk through established procedures and resources.
Maintain organized records and provide reports.