Job Description SummaryOrganization's Summary Statement:
The Home Horticulture Educator and Master Gardener Coordinator is a part-time (.6 FTE - 24 hours per week) position that will work in support of the Baltimore City Home Horticulture Extension Program, which falls under UME's Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) program area. The mission of ENR is to strengthen and improve individuals' knowledge, skills and aspirations to make changes in their lives and the lives of others that positively affect the economy, the environment and the associated natural resources for current and future generations. The Educator will support the ENR programmatic area by educating the public on the research-based best practices regarding home and non-commercial horticulture.
An addition responsibility of the Educator is to provide oversight, support, and strategic leadership to volunteers of the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program, which is designed to train volunteer horticultural educators to support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. The UME-MG volunteers offer a variety of local programs in collaboration with schools, libraries, non-profit organizations, and the general public.
The Educator will be responsible for providing coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Baltimore, including collaboration on educational programs among internal and community partners, supporting efforts to raise the awareness of Extension in Baltimore, conducting outreach and building and maintaining partnerships with local community members, government officials, and organizations, and additional related activities. This position is located at the University of Maryland Extension Baltimore City office.
Responsibilities:
Developing, conducting, and evaluating educational seminars, classes, workshops and other presentations related to horticulture
Developing educational materials as necessary to conduct programming
Responding to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc. for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, home fruit and vegetable production, pest control and other subjects related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner.
This may include home/site visits when deemed necessary and appropriate
Coordinating the Master Gardener program in Baltimore, which includes volunteer recruitment and training, and coordination of community-based projects
Identifying plants, insects and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and responding with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
Disseminating horticulture information to city residents through news releases, website updates, and other forms of media
Providing pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines
Assisting in collecting data, reporting, and evaluating Home Horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy
Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with agricultural organizations and other relevant organizations, implementing and evaluating collaborative programs, and seeking new partnerships to deliver outreach education
Additional duties as assigned
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science and/or agronomy or related field
Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices
Applicants must be self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken formats
Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels
Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management
Flexible working hours required; must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings
A valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel is required
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record 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 and/or agronomy or related field.
Experience in program planning, evaluation, and collaborative work with other organizations
Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects
Experience implementing programmatic stakeholder feedback
Experience navigating the landscape of an urban area in an agricultural context
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.
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.
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 conditions vary. Primary work will occur in an office, but the employee will also be working in gardens, farms, and other outdoor conditions in the course of developing demonstration sites, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
Visual acuity is required for driving, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, and preparing presentations, and identifying plants and pests.
Licenses/ Certifications: NA
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. This position's base salary is $45,490/year for full-time (60% FTE hiring range is $27,294 - $29,469). The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package, which includes tuition remission and a comprehensive health benefits insurance program. The position is a 12-month part-time contract that may be renewed annually, based on performance and funding.
Additional Job DetailsRequired Application Materials:- Cover Letter
- Current resume or CV
- Copies of transcripts (Official transcripts required if offered the position)
- (3) Professional References
Best Consideration Date: February 8, 2025Open Until Filled: YesFinancial Disclosure RequiredFor more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
DepartmentAGNR-UME-Baltimore City
Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular
Salary Range$27,294 - $35,735
Benefits SummaryFor more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background ChecksOffers 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/AA StatementThe University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy.
Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome!Diversity Statement The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.
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