Job Description

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Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
• Create educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, and other content for social media and websites (blogs, videos and pod casts, etc.)
• Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Charles County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and coordination of community-based projects.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for general horticulture information pertaining to lawn care, landscape plants and trees, composting, native plants, pest control, and other subject related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner. (This may be done in consultation with the local Agricultural agent.)
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
• Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through news releases, website updates, etc.
• Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating impact data of local home horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD/UME policies and protocols.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community and other relevant organizations to implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships, especially to reach traditionally underserved or marginalized audiences to deliver outreach education.
• Collaborate with other UME field- and campus-based faculty and staff on programs and projects of mutual interest when and where appropriate.
• Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.

Benefits Summary

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of one year working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the requ
• Experience working with volunteers.

• Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful.
• Willingness to work with a diversity of audiences reflecting all socio-economic perspectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Valid driver’s license and access to an automobile for travel.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
• Availability to work flexible hours; including evening and weekend programs and meetings.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:

• Master’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• 2 or more years of experience working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Experience in program planning, conducting and delivering community-based programs and conducting collaborative work with other organizations.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects.

Additional Information:

Posting Date:

Open Until Filled

Best Consideration Date

Physical Demands

• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Primary work will occur in an office, but the employee will also be working in gardens, farms, and other outdoor conditions in course of developing demonstration sites, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity: Visual acuity is required for driving, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, and preparing presentations, and identifying plants and pests.

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