Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Howard County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Howard County Horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Howard County, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The position will be located in the Howard County Extension Office in Columbia, Maryland.

Responsibilities:
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to horticulture. Evaluate programs to assess knowledge gain or skills learned in the short term, and practices improved, intent to change, and behavioral change over time.
- Conduct needs assessments, outreach, and marketing to reach new and broad audiences to support UME's land-grant mission.
- Participate in applied research projects that generate new knowledge and practices to benefit clientele.
- Create and disseminate science-based content based on stakeholder needs, in formats appropriate for the intended target audiences, including fact sheets and other publications, web content, news releases, YouTube videos, blogs posts, podcasts, posters, fliers , infographics, etc.
- Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Howard County, including which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and coordination of community-based projects and programs.
- Respond 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 science-based advice in a timely and professional manner. This may include home/site visits when deemed necessary and appropriate.
- Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations promptly and professionally.
- Collect, report and evaluate Home Horticulture and Master Gardener program data in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy.
- Collaborate and partner with university colleagues, with horticultural agricultural organizations and other relevant groups, agencies, and nonprofits to deliver relevant educational programs and products.
- Seek grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support Extension programs.
- Other duties as assigned.


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 the job.
• Nature of the Position: The position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of the 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: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. The position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, agriculture education or Extension education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Working knowledge of accepted, science-based home horticulture practices.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• 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 or Extension education,, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• Documented two years’ experience working with volunteers and broad and variating audiences of all socio-economic levels.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funding for projects.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Certifications:
• Flexible working hours required; must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings and a valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel.
• The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Additional Job Details

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

AGNR-UME-Howard

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

Bachelor’s range: $49,073-$63,073, Master’s range: $51,290-$65,290

EEO Statement

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