Yakima-Kittitas Master Gardener Coordinator

Washington State University • Ellensburg, WA

5d

About The Position

As the Extension Coordinator (EC) for Washington State University (WSU) Extension, you provide overall leadership and management of the Master Gardener program in (Local) County. You lead a program whose primary goal is to empower volunteers to educate the public and respond to questions related to home gardening. In this role, you recruit, train, lead, coordinate, and deploy more than 150 WSU-trained volunteers to serve the growing populations of Yakima and Kittitas Counties through community education, demonstration venues, and special events. You establish a network of empowered, effectively led teams to successfully carry out program objectives and work collaboratively with the Yakima County Master Gardener Foundation to ensure a healthy and well-funded operation. You also prepare and deliver briefings and written reports for the University, Foundation, elected officials, and other funders that communicate program outcomes and impacts.
Additional Information: This is a full (100% FTE), temporary position . This position is overtime eligible. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on December 31, 2026. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment. Monthly Salary: $3,900.88 - 5,613 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant extension program discipline and two (2) years of related program experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with volunteer management and demonstrated success in developing and managing volunteer programs.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours that includes evenings, weekends, and travel overnight.
• Must be able to transport training and educational outreach materials to teaching sites and public venues, locally and statewide
• All new Extension employees working with youth and vulnerable adults must be screened through a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to communicate proficiently using oral, written and listening skills.
• Experience developing and demonstrating effective teaching methods for volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience in either education or public relations or marketing.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with a diverse group of volunteers and community partners.
• Demonstrated experience in organization and management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and foster teamwork.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers and software including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, email, and familiarity with electronic slide presentations.

Responsibilities

• provide overall leadership and management of the Master Gardener program
• recruit, train, lead, coordinate, and deploy more than 150 WSU-trained volunteers
• establish a network of empowered, effectively led teams to successfully carry out program objectives
• work collaboratively with the Yakima County Master Gardener Foundation to ensure a healthy and well-funded operation
• prepare and deliver briefings and written reports for the University, Foundation, elected officials, and other funders that communicate program outcomes and impacts

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees