Ohio State University – Extension – Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources-H

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources-Horticulture

Delaware County, Agriculture and Natural Resources

R140821

Salary: $42,100 to $72,700

This posting is for an Extension Educator (1, 2, or
3); salary and Educator level for final candidate will be determined by years of experience and education level:

Requires a bachelor’s Degree

Salary Range: $42,100 – $55,000

Requires a master’s Degree

Salary Range: $47,700 – $62,300

Requires a master’s Degree and 11+ years of direct or related work experience

Salary Range: $55,700 – $72,700

The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) seeks an Educator to work collaboratively with county, region and state teams of OSUE professionals and with local agency leaders and volunteers. The Educator will be responsible for a broad range of basic to complex duties that could include but are not limited to providing guidance and/or leadership for programming targeted to local and regional needs.

This programming would include a focus on residential and commercial horticulture, and direct leadership of the Delaware Master Gardener Volunteer Program. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that promote science-based horticultural practices for homeowners, landscape professionals, and commercial growers. The educator will provide expertise in areas such as plant selection, pest and disease management, turf grass care, and horticulture production management.

A central component of the role includes coordinating the county’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program—recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers who extend horticultural education through community outreach, demonstration gardens, and public events. The educator will collaborate with local organizations, schools, municipalities, and industry partners to address community needs and expand program impact. This position contributes to the mission of OSU Extension by translating university research into practical applications that improve lives and strengthen communities.

• Provide leadership to programs focused on residential and commercial horticulture, including topics such as sustainable landscaping, plant health, turfgrass management, integrated pest management, and urban agriculture. Developing horticulture initiatives in areas such as home and community gardening, plant health, integrated pest management, soil science, and local food systems. This role supports OSU Extension’s six Impact Areas:
  Health and Wellness;
  Job Skills and Careers;
  Thriving Across the Lifespan;
  Sustainable Food Systems;
  Engaged Ohioans, Vibrant Communities; and Environmental Quality. Key duties include collaborating with agencies to deliver education for homeowners, gardeners, commercial growers, and communities; assessing needs and using data to guide programs and measure impact; engaging advisory committees; and using diverse teaching methods such as online learning, media, newsletters, demonstrations, and capacity‑building strategies. Work to ensure equal access to programs and facilities for all individuals.
• Provide leadership for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Delaware County, overseeing all aspects of volunteer engagement and program delivery. This includes recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers to extend OSU Extension’s horticulture education. Develop and implement the training curriculum, ensuring it reflects current research‑based practices in plant health, pest management, and horticulture management. Manage volunteer records and ensure compliance with OSU Extension policies.
  
  In addition, the Educator supports volunteers in planning and executing impactful projects such as demonstration gardens, diagnostic clinics, school gardening initiatives, and public outreach events. Ongoing responsibilities include providing advanced training opportunities and building partnerships with local organizations to expand program reach. Collects and analyzes data to measure program outcomes, prepare reports, and share success stories with stakeholders, ensuring the Master Gardener Volunteer…