UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION (UME)
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Agent Associate
Working Title: Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Coordinator
Position Number: 117684
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Full-Time ContinuingContract
Unit: AGNR-UME-Baltimore City
Purpose of the Position:
This is full-time position will work in support of the Baltimore City Home Horticulture
Extension Program. The Educator will provide coordination and programmatic support for home
horticulture activities in Baltimore city, including collaboration on educational programs among
partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The position will be located in the
University of Maryland Extension Office in Baltimore City, Maryland.
Responsibilities:
• Develop, conduct and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops and other
presentations related to horticulture.
• Develop educational materials as necessary to conduct programming.
• Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc. for information on lawn
care, landscape plants and trees, home fruit and vegetable production, pest control and other
subjects related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely
and professional manner. This may include home/site visits when deemed necessary and
appropriate.
• Coordinate Master Gardener program in Baltimore city which includes volunteer recruitment
and training, and coordination of community-based projects.
• 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 city residents through news releases, website updates, etc.
• Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of
Maryland guidelines.
• Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating Home Horticulture programs in accordance
with funding requirements and UMD policy.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with agricultural organizations and other
relevant organizations, implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships to
deliver outreach education.
Qualifications:
Required–
• Bachelor's Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science and/or
agronomy or related field.
• Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices.
• Applicants must be self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and
experience in conducting community-based education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming andmanagement.
• Flexible working hours required; must be available for evening and weekend programs and
meetings and a valid driver's license and access to an automobile for travel.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon
successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences–
• Master's Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science and/or agronomy
or related field.
• Experience in program planning and collaborative work with other organizations.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• This position frequently presents information through verbal and written communication to
individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to
express or exchange ideas verbally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive
information at normal spoken work levels.
• A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from
teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will
frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of
displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental conditions vary. Primary work will occur in an office, but the employee will
also be working in gardens, farms, and other outdoor conditions in course of developing
demonstration sites, delivering programs, and teaching at events. This may occur during very
hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity is required for driving, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, and
preparing presentations, and identifying plants and pests.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $36,575.00/year. The
University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 12-month full-
time contract that may be renewed annually, based on performance and funding.
Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu A complete application packet
includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, copies of
transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional
references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: For best consideration apply by 2/23/2018 or until acceptable candidate is identified