Position Number: | 129743 |
Title: | Extension Program Assistant |
Functional Title: | Extension Program Assistant, Home Horticulture and Master Gardener |
Category Status: | 22-Nonexempt, Contingent 2 |
Applicant Search Category: | Staff |
University Authorized FTE: | 1.00 |
Unit: | AGNR-UME-Harford |
Hiring Range Minimum: | $45,375.00 |
Hiring Range Maximum: | $54,450.00 |
Benefits Summary | Top Benefits and Perks: Contingent II Benefits Summary |
Campus/College Information: | Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. 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 someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated. |
Position Summary/Purpose of Position: | This position is located off-campus at the Harford County Extension office in Street, MD.
Under the general supervision of the County Extension Director, the Program Assistant performs a variety of duties including teaching activities for the University of Maryland Extension-Harford County in the program area of home horticulture. Work requires thorough knowledge of the organization and programs where assigned and involves moderate participation in the work of the supervisor. |
Minimum Qualifications: | Education: Graduation from High School (or GED)
Experience: Five years’ experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.
Other: Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Working knowledge in the assigned area of specialization such as food and nutrition, housing, horticulture, soil nutrient management or youth programs.
- Skill to plan and carry out details of projects with general instruction.
- Skill to make arithmetic calculations, analyze data and draw conclusions. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Skill to establish and maintain successful working relationships.
- Ability to lift and transport supplies and equipment.
- Ability to operate manual and automated office equipment and personal computers.
Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience. |
Preferences: | Preferences: - Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, entomology, plant pathology, turf, or a related field.
- Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels is desirable.
- Demonstrated leadership, customer service, and project management abilities.
- Evidence of excellent teaching and communication skills.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
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Additional Certifications: | - This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
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Additional Information: | Job Responsibilities: Home Horticulture Roles: - Respond to clientele inquiries via phone, office visits, email, etc., for information on lawn care, landscape plants, fruit and vegetable production, pest control, and other subjects related to home horticulture, providing appropriate science-based information and advice in a timely and professional manner. This may include site visits when deemed necessary and appropriate.
- Identify plants, insects, and other horticulture samples submitted by clientele and respond with information and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
- Provide pest control and fertilizer recommendations in accordance with University of Maryland guidelines.
- Disseminate horticulture information to county residents through newsletters, website updates, etc.
Master Gardener Coordinator Roles: - Coordinate the Master Gardener Program in Harford County, which includes volunteer recruitment, volunteer management, training, and coordination of community-based projects.
- Develop, conduct, and evaluate educational seminars, classes, workshops, and other presentations related to home horticulture.
- Oversee monthly steering committee and general meetings.
- Approve, oversee, and support community-based Master Gardener projects that are aligned with University of Maryland Extension’s mission.
- Provide continuing education opportunities to Master Gardener volunteers.
- Budget oversight of Master Gardener projects.
Other: - Personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
- Flexible working hours; must be available for occasional evening and weekend programs and meetings.
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Job Risks | Not Applicable to This Position |
Physical Demands | A part of this position’s responsibilities could be to transport materials to and from teaching/program locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. Set-up and tear-down of displays as well as tables and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites. - - Transporting and lifting equipment up to 30 pounds
- Visual Acuity – for driving and working with computers
- Working in area with lot of foot traffic and surrounding conversations
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Posting Date: | 08/19/2024 |
Closing Date: | 09/02/2024 |
Open Until Filled | No |
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. |