Extension Program Assistant (Home Horticulture & Master Gardener)
Job Description
Position Number:
129784Title:
Extension Program AssistantFunctional Title:
Extension Program Assistant (Home Horticulture & Master Gardener)Category Status:
22-Nonexempt, Contingent 2Applicant Search Category:
StaffUniversity Authorized FTE:
.50Unit:
AGNR-UME-KentHiring Range Minimum:
$45,375.00Hiring Range Maximum:
$54,450.00Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Contingent II Benefits Summary
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers 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.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers 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.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position is located at the Kent County Extension Office in Chestertown, MD.
The Extension Program Assistant for Horticulture will administer all aspects of the Kent County Home Horticulture Extension program which includes the following:
The Extension Program Assistant for Horticulture will administer all aspects of the Kent County Home Horticulture Extension program which includes the following:
- Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in rural Kent County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and coordination of community-based projects. This includes civil rights data collection and reporting as required by UME policies in conjunction with State and Federal laws.
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home and non-commercial horticulture. This may include cross-program partnerships on various programs.
- Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, environmentally friendly landscape alternatives, fruit and vegetable production, pest control, and other home horticulture subjects, providing appropriate, research-based literature and 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 in a timely and professional manner.
- Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
- Disseminate horticulture information to residents through news releases, website updates, social media, etc.
- Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating Home Horticulture and Master Gardener programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with agricultural organizations and other relevant organizations, implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships with traditionally underserved audiences to deliver outreach education.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Graduation from High School (or GED).
Graduation from High School (or GED).
Experience:
Five years’ experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.
Five years’ experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.
Other:
Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license
Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Working knowledge in the assigned area of specialization such as food and nutrition, housing, horticulture, soil nutrient management or youth programs.
- Skill to plan and carry out details of projects with general instruction.
- Skill to make arithmetic calculations, analyze data and draw conclusions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships.
- Ability to lift and transport supplies and equipment.
- Ability to operate manual and automated office equipment and personal computers.
Other:
Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Botany, Horticultural related fields, Entomology, IPM, or Ecology, preferred.
- One – Three years’ of experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
- Major area of study in fields related to horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy.
- Excited to grow the program in the context of the the county’s rural nature and cultural milieu.
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
- Working knowledge of accepted 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.
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
- Salary & Benefits: Salary: $22,687 – $27,225. Position is a half-time, 12-month staff position. Annual contract, renewed annually pending performance and continued funding.
- Flexible working hours required; must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings and hold a valid driver’s license and access to an automobile for travel.
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This PositionPhysical Demands
The position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.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.
- 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 30 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, execution, 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 at a level where the successful candidate is capable of preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Posting Date:
09/09/2024Closing Date:
09/23/2024Open Until Filled
NoDiversity 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.
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