Master Gardener

Agent Associate

This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Charles County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Charles County horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Charles 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 Charles County Extension Office in Bel Alton, Maryland.

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.)
• 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.

Best consideration date: 1/5/2024.

Starting salary may be adjusted for experience and education. For more information and to apply, go to the ejobs website.

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who are passionate about the environment and community engagement. Our mission is to support the University of Maryland Extension service by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities. We use a variety of activities to provide horticulture information such as:

• Plant clinics to diagnose disease and/or pest problems

• Exhibits at local events

• Youth programs

• Maintaining demonstration gardens

Actions you can take to garden more sustainably include:

• Composting

• Growing more native plants

• Implementing Bay-Wise landscaping practices  

• Growing food organically

To see what we are currently working on, please visit our Resource Page to get The Compost, for the latest information on new and ongoing projects.

If you or your organization in Charles County would like assistance with planting techniques, or design, or would like to request a gardening presentation, please complete this form.

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