Master Gardener Coordinator - Delaware

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. This is an 75 % full-time equivalency (FTE) job. This position will work 30 hours per week.

This position is eligible for benefits associated with any full-time position. The salary grade and range listed in the posting is reflective of a 100% Full-time position. Full-time equivalency job offers may fall outside of the listed range due to the assigned percentage of effort.

Penn State Extension in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring a Master Gardener Coordinator in Delaware County. The Master Gardener Coordinator will oversee the general function and activities of the Penn State Extension Master Gardener (MG) volunteer program in Delaware County including recruitment and training of new Master Gardener trainees. The Coordinator works under the supervision of the Area Coordinator and the State Master Gardener Coordinator.

The Coordinator will work closely with MG volunteers to provide education on research-based sustainable horticulture practices and environmental stewardship to county residents.

• Serves as the Penn State Extension Master Gardener spokesperson for Delaware County. Communicate with partners, county leadership, researchers, staff and volunteers to deliver education to the public. Be available consistently at the Extension Office for volunteer support and guidance and to answer inquiries about the Master Gardener program. Engage community members as appropriate to promote Extension, the Master Gardener Program and Penn State.
• Manage the efforts of the Master Gardener volunteers to develop and deliver high-quality, research-based educational programming to the public; evaluate and report Master Gardener outreach activities. Identify opportunities and educational needs of consumers and stakeholders in the county. Empower, organize, and lead Master Gardener volunteers to educate county residents about horticultural and environmental issues through community outreach projects. Ensure volunteer compliance with the Master Gardener Policy Statement.
• Train Master Gardeners to evaluate homeowner growing practices and solve cultural/maintenance problems through education. Manage the Garden Hotline, staffed by Master Gardener volunteers to answer homeowner questions on pest problems and general home gardening questions utilizing researched-based information.
• Train Master Gardener Volunteers to educate the public on the identification, life cycle, current distribution, host range, phenology and management of invasive species identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Governor's Invasive Species Council, utilizing the latest science-based information available.
• Identify youth program opportunities within the county and engage with community partners, 4-H, schools, and local organizations to deliver youth programming.
• Coordinate business/program development meetings for all county Master Gardener volunteers. Organize continuing education opportunities for Master Gardener volunteers.

• Required Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers. Strong organizational and communications skills.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in horticulture, environmental science or human sciences. Ability to inspire and develop leadership in individuals and committees. Ability to build and maintain community partnerships. Experience in adult or non-formal education.

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required
• Required
  
  Certifications:
  
  None

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is…