Agent Associate
Job Title: Agent Associate
Unit: AGNR-UME-Charles
Best Consideration Date: 05/22/2022
Job Summary:
This is a full-time position that will work in support of the Charles County Home Horticulture Extension Program. The Faculty Extension Educator will administer all aspects of the Charles County Horticulture program which includes coordination and programmatic support for home horticulture activities in Charles County, including training and management of Master Gardener Volunteers, collaboration on educational programs among partners, outreach to clientele, and related activities. The position will be located in the Charles County Extension Office in Bel Alton, Maryland.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science and/or agronomy or in a 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.
- Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Availability to work flexible hours; including evening and weekend programs and meetings
- Have a valid driver’s license and access to an automobile for travel.
- 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 and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Job Requirements:
- Master's Degree in horticulture, agriculture education, applied plant science, agronomy or related field
- Experience in program planning and collaborative work with other organizations
- Demonstrated leadership and management abilities
- Experience in writing grants and securing funds for projects
Job Responsibilities/Duties:
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
- Develop educational products based on stakeholder needs including fact sheets and other publications, web content, YouTube videos, social media blogs, podcasts, websites, etc.
- Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Charles County which includes volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and coordination of community-based projects.
- Respond to clientele requests via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants and trees, fruit and vegetable production, composting, native plants, pest control, and other subject related to home horticulture, providing appropriate literature and advice in a timely and professional manner. (This may be done in consultation with the local Agricultural agent and other faculty)
- 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 county residents through news releases, website and social media updates, etc.
- Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
- Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through news releases, website updates, etc.
- Assist in collecting, reporting and evaluating impact data of Home Horticulture programs in accordance with funding requirements and UMD/UME policies and protocols.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community and other relevant organizations to implement and evaluate programs, and seek new partnerships, especially traditionally underserved or typically marginalized audiences to deliver outreach education.
- Collaborate with other UME field- and campus-based faculty and staff on programs and projects of mutual interest
- Participate in committees and other service opportunities at the county, state and University level.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary will be comensurate with experience
- Base salary of $40,228 for a B.S. and $42,058 for a M.S.
- The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package
Vaccine Protocol:
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.