Agent Associate (Horticulture)
Job Description
Position Number:
119822Title:
Agent AssociateFunctional Title:
Agent Associate (Horticulture)Category Status:
15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing ConApplicant Search Category:
FacultyUniversity Authorized FTE:
100Unit:
AGNR-UME-Baltimore CountyCampus/College Information:
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 Checks
Offers 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:
This position is located off-campus at the Baltimore County Extension Office in Cockeysville, MD.
The Agent Associate-Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator will administer all aspects of the Baltimore County Home Horticulture Extension program that involves developing an educational program that meets the needs of Baltimore Counties’ diverse residents and communities including:
The Agent Associate-Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator will administer all aspects of the Baltimore County Home Horticulture Extension program that involves developing an educational program that meets the needs of Baltimore Counties’ diverse residents and communities including:
- Developing, conducting, and evaluating educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home and non-commercial horticulture.
- Coordinating the Master Gardener Program in Baltimore County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination of community-based projects.
- Developing educational products including fact sheets and other publications, web content, YouTube® videos, social media blogs, podcasts, websites, etc.
- Responding to clientele requests via phone, email, or face-to-face for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, environmentally friendly landscape alternatives, fruit and vegetable production, pest control, and other subjects related to home horticulture,
- Providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner.
- Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
- Providing pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
- Disseminating horticulture information to Baltimore county residents through news releases, website updates, etc.
- Assisting in collecting, reporting, and evaluating Home Horticulture and Master Gardener programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD policy.
- Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with agricultural organizations and other relevant organizations, and seeking new partnerships with traditionally underserved audiences to deliver outreach education with a focus on serving the Baltimore County community.
- Offering a regular presence in the Extension office located in Cockeysville, MD with possible home/site visits when appropriate and with safety concerns in mind.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agricultural education, environmental sciences or natural resources, landscape architecture/management, entomology, applied plant science and/or agronomy or in a related field.
Experience:
- Documented one year of experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
- Working knowledge of accepted home horticulture practices.
- Self-motivated, flexible, innovative, and resourceful with skills and experience in conducting community-based education programs.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
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.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Master’s Degree preferred.
- Three years of experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
- Major areas of study in fields related to horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science and agronomy.
Posting Date:
04/25/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
05/31/2024Physical Demands
The 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.
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