Agent Associate
University of Maryland Extension, Charles County
Bel Alton, MD
Full-time
Administration / Clerical
Posted on August 30, 2023
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.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
Experience:
- Experience, 1 -2 years, working in horticulture, agriculture, agronomy or related fields or a combination of education and training providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Experience working with volunteers and a diversity of audiences from all socio-economic perspectives.
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 with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs.
- 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.
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
- 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.
Preferred Education:
- Master’s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience, 2 or more years 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 and collaborative work with other organizations
- Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects
Responsibilities:
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
- Develop educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, web content, YouTube videos, social media blogs, podcasts, websites, 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 information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, fruit and vegetable production, 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. Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through news releases, county websites, newsletters and social media updates, etc.
- 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.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a base salary starting at $43,300 for a B.S and $45,269 for a M.S. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
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