Job Description

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state\'s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation\'s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation\'s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background ChecksOffers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:The position is located in the Howard County Extension Office in Columbia, Maryland.This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Howard County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Howard County Horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Howard County, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities.
Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, agriculture education or Extension education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Working knowledge of accepted, science-based home horticulture practices.
• Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.

This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences:Preferences:

• Master\'s Degree in horticulture, agriculture education or Extension education,, applied plant science, agronomy or related field.
• Documented two years\' experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
• Experience in writing grants and securing funding for projects.

Additional Certifications: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.The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Additional Information:Responsibilities:

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to horticulture. Evaluate programs to assess knowledge gain or skills learned in the short term, and practices improved, intent to change, and behavioral change over time.
• Conduct needs assessments, outreach, and marketing to reach new and diverse audiences with equity and inclusion as foundational elements.
• Participate in applied research projects that generate new knowledge and practices to benefit clientele.
• Create and disseminate science-based content based on stakeholder needs, in formats appropriate for the intended target audiences, including fact sheets and other publications, web content, news releases, YouTube videos, blogs posts, podcasts, posters, fliers , infographics, etc.
• Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Howard County, including which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and coordination of community-based projects and programs.
• 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 science-based advice in a timely and professional manner. This may include home/site visits when deemed necessary and appropriate.
• Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations promptly and professionally.
• Collect, report and evaluate Home Horticulture and Master Gardener program data in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy.
• Collaborate and partner with university colleagues, with horticultural agricultural organizations and other relevant groups, agencies, and nonprofits to deliver relevant educational programs and products.
• Seek grants, contracts, or other funding and partnership opportunities to support Extension programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience; starting base salary B.S. $45,490; M.S.- $47,559. Position is a full-time, 12-month professional track faculty position. Annual contract, renewed annually pending performance and continued funding. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package, more information regarding employee benefits can be found by visiting .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.
Posting Date: 07/19/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 08/18/2024
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Nature of the Position: The position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of the 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: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. The position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Diversity Statement:The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents * Resume

• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcript
• List of References (no emails sent from system)

Optional DocumentsPosting Specific QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * * Do you understand this position is located in Howard County (Columbia), Maryland?

• Yes
• No
• * The scope of this position requires some evening and weekend work (non-standard work hours). Are you able to work some evenings and weekends?

• Yes
• No
• * How did you hear about this position?

• LinkedIn
• UMD Job Site
• Personal Referral
• Washington Post
• Baltimore Sun
• Local Publication
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Inside Higher Education
• INDEED
• HERC
• Hispanic Outlook
• Diverse Jobs
• HigherEdJobs
• Professional Journal
• Listserv
• Other
• SimplyHired
• CareerBliss
• Job Fairs
• Monster.Com
• Craigslist
• UMD Job Fair
• CareerBuilder

University of Maryland