UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Coordinator
Functional Title: Coordinator (Digital Horticulture Education)
Position Number: 122648
Category Status: Exempt Contingent Category 2
Unit: AGNR-UME-Home and Garden Information Center
Location: Central Maryland Research & Education Center, 11975-A Homewood Road, Ellicott City, Maryland
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The new Coordinator position will further HGIC’s goal of fully integrating the Master Gardener, Grow It Eat It, and Home & Garden Information Center programs. The successful candidate will provide stability to the Ask an Expert service, ensure accuracy and consistency of answers, and manage and share information across programs and across social media and software platforms. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute content to web pages and MG training materials. The unit and position are located in Ellicott City, MD at the Central Maryland Research & Education Center.
The Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) is a national leader in garden/landscape and pest management education. Master Gardeners, schools, agencies, non-profits, and residents use HGIC’s information and answers across multiple digital platforms- web pages, social media, blog, e-newsletter, and YouTube.
HGIC provides direct answers to residents who submit questions via the “Ask an Expert” widget found on UME web pages. The Coordinator for Digital Horticulture and IPM Education will 1) answer questions posted by clientele, 2) manage and evaluate the “Ask an Expert” service, 3) capture, organize, and re-purpose “Ask an Expert” questions, answers, and photos, and 4) create new digital content.
Responsibilities:
- Provide horticultural and pest management expertise and education by answering the questions of Maryland residents via the national “Ask an Expert” system (web-based q&a). This includes making plant and pest problem diagnoses and recommendations, identifying plants and insects, and educating clients about best practices for sustainable horticulture.
- Develop practices and protocols to ensure that “Ask an Expert” questions are answered accurately and efficiently. Develop relationships with Extension faculty and other experts who can assist with difficult questions.
- Create new content (including fact sheets and articles) and repackage and re-purpose questions, answers, and photos submitted via Ask an Expert, for use on all HGIC teaching platforms (blog, web pages, e-newsletter, social media).
- Work with UME and eXtension professionals to master search techniques in the “Ask an Expert” database.
- Analyze “Ask an Expert” trend and usage data. Develop and implement surveys to measure client satisfaction and impacts.
Qualifications:
Required –
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Minimum 3 years of experience working with, garden and landscape plants, identifying plant and pest problems, and understanding the principles and practices of sustainable horticulture and integrated pest management.
- Ability to work independently and to function as part of a unit team.
- Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills are essential.
- Computer software skills are essential, including Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word).
- Demonstrated experience in social media and website management.
- Valid driver’s license. Must provide personal transportation for meetings and conferences.
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Criminal History Record Check.
Additional Certifications:
- Must obtain Pesticide Applicator and Certified Professional Horticulturist certifications from the Maryland Department of Agriculture within 18 months of hiring date.
Preferences –
- Degree discipline preferred in plant sciences, horticulture, botany, environmental sciences, entomology, landscape architecture, or related field.
- Master’s degree in a related discipline.
- Experience in Drupal and Adobe Creative Suite
- Teaching experience (face-to-face or digital)
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $44,800. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Application Process:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: Open Until Filled. For best consideration, apply by February 3, 2017.
The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.