Master Gardener Program Assistant

  • CP01 University System of New Hampshire
  • Cooperative Extension-Hillsborough County
  • 2w ago
  • Part-Time
  • On-site

The UNH Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program provides training and support to volunteers throughout New Hampshire who enjoy gardening, want to enhance their knowledge and then share it with the gardening public. Master Gardener Volunteers present programs, answer gardener’s questions through the Yard and Garden Infoline, and demonstrate best practices in a wide variety of public gardens. A pilot hybrid class was offered recently to meet the needs of people who are not able to attend the traditional in-person, mid-week classes. There is a great deal of demand for this training format.

The Master Gardener Program Assistant will be responsible for updating and implementing the hybrid training, in collaboration with the Master Gardener Program Manager. This will involve scheduling remote and in-person sessions, including instructors and facilities. Experience with on-line learning platforms or propensity to learn is required. Basic knowledge and/or experience with home gardening is necessary. Responsibilities will include communication and support of volunteers and providing additional program assistance to the Program Manager. This position will have occasional night and weekend programmatic responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities

Educational Program Development and Delivery (50%)

  • Manage and implement the hybrid Master Gardener Volunteer core training

  • Collaborate with the Master Gardener Program Manager to ensure the hybrid curriculum meets overall program needs

  • Recruit, evaluate and select volunteers to participate in the hybrid class

  • Coordinate and facilitate online and in-person trainings, schedule presenters and facilities

  • Conduct pre, post and on-going evaluations of the class to inform program enhancements

  • Assist with enrollment, on-boarding and support of volunteers who complete the hybrid training to advance engagement of Master Gardener Volunteers 

Volunteer Support (20%)

  • Recruit and support volunteers to fill and succeed in leadership roles

  • Assist with connections to Extension, UNH and community partners to enhance volunteer education and opportunities

  • Assist in communication with volunteers to improve the cohesion of the Master Gardener program statewide

Administrative (15%)

  • Maintain records of volunteers who have completed the hybrid training

  • Schedule volunteers to participate in outreach opportunities such as “Ask a Master Gardener” booths at farmers markets, fairs, garden centers, etc.

  • Oversee the management of the Master Gardener Speakers Bureau program which currently delivers 100 presentations/year across the state

Program Evaluation (10%)

  • Adapt hybrid training based on recent program assessments and pilot program evaluations

  • Assist with development of continuing education opportunities that enhance volunteer skills and meet Extension and community goals

  • Review training materials and update for content and accessibility

 

Professional Development (5%)

  • Identify individual professional development goals in cooperation with supervisor

  • Seek training in subject area expertise and essential skills related to the position

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education or Biological Sciences with experience as an educator

  • Experience teaching/facilitating in an online environment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Experience with online learning platforms and facilitating online instruction

  • Experience working with and supporting volunteers

  • Some knowledge of gardening and horticultural practices

  • Strong organizational skills and detail oriented

  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently with internal colleagues and external partners

  • Flexible and able to multitask

Other Requirements:

  • Availability to work some nights and occasional weekends

  • Reliable internet access for conducting evening and/or weekend on-line classes

  • Ability to work outdoors and conduct gardening tasks such as weeding and digging

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel for work

    • Mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A sense of curiosity and desire to learn new things

  • Ability to adapt and be flexible

Applicant Instructions: 

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

  • Resume/CV

  • Cover Letter

Compensation Pay Range:

$25-$28/hour, no benefits

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Goffstown