Agent Associate - Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Anne Arundel County Home Horticulture Extension Programs. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Anne Arundel’s County horticulture programs which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture education and activities in both counties, training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and marketing.

Responsibilities:
• 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.)
• Manage the Master Gardener Program in the county which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and developing collaborations for 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.
• 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 residents of both counties 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.
• Provide supervision and mentoring for the Master Gardener extension program assistant.
• Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.


Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas verbally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
• 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.

Qualifications:
Required-
• Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• A minimum of one year working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance and instruction.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Willingness to work with a variety 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.
• Availability to work flexible hours; including evening and weekend programs and meetings.
• Valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel.
• 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



Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-UME-Anne Arundel

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

Bachelor’s hiring range: $49,809 - $63,809, Master’s hiring range: $52,059 - $66,059

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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