State Master Gardener Coordinator

Overview

State Master Gardener Coordinator

Position: The Department of Horticulture, in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia, is seeking applicants for a State Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Coordinator. The position is a full-time, public service track faculty position, with a 100% Extension appointment. This position will report directly to the Horticulture Department Head.

• Provide statewide leadership to the MGEV Program
• Serve as a resource to Extension personnel, including those at the county, district, and state levels
• Coordinate and expand training opportunities and methods for MGEVs and county personnel, including use of asynchronous platforms, covering relevant horticultural and volunteer management topics
• Update MGEV program materials, policies, and administrative manuals
• Manage the MGEV program budget, including fund raising and grant procurement
• Maintain the statewide MGEV recordkeeping system, MGLOG
• Teach Master Gardener classes, as needed
• Promote the Georgia MGEV program through statewide channels, including use of college websites and social media
• Serve as liaison to Georgia Master Gardener Association (GMGA)
• Contribute to Extension programming and resources related to candidate's expertise
• Develop strategic collaborations, such as with Horticulture faculty, other public service units, and external organizations, to support and expand the MGEV program
• Supervise a Program Assistant
• Statewide, regional, and national travel, including attendance at state and national Extension Master Gardener conferences

Master Gardener Volunteers play a vital role in Cooperative Extension, assisting County Extension Agents in delivering horticultural information and programs throughout the state. They also take part in Extension-partnered community projects, from planting demonstration gardens to gardening projects with children and others within their communities. The Georgia MGEV Program has trained over 16,000 volunteer educators during its 45 years in the state.

Today, there are over 2,000 active Master Gardeners statewide, volunteering in 50 participating counties.

Candidates must have a Master’s degree or higher in Horticulture, Agriculture, or closely related field. Experience in volunteer management and working with groups is required. Preference for experience with Cooperative Extension. Candidates must have excellent organizational development, leadership, and communication skills, including public speaking. Candidates must be proficient in digital technology, including multimedia presentations. Knowledge of social media, online teaching and learning, and electronic publishing are essential.

The position will be housed at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Griffin, Georgia, which is located 30 miles south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest growing areas. The 123-acre campus is one of the premier agricultural research centers in the region, housing world-class research facilities such as the Center for Food Safety and the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center.

Applicants should submit the following documentation in electronic format at  (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statements of extension, and (5) a list of at least three references with contact information including email address. Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Sheri Dorn, Assistant Professor, Email: sdorn. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 1, 2026.

The position will be available effective June 1, 2026.