Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Associate

About the role

The University of Maryland Extension seeks a full‑time Home Horticulture Educator & Master Gardener Associate to lead and support horticulture programs for Anne Arundel County residents. The role combines program development, volunteer coordination, and direct client assistance to promote sustainable home gardening.

Key responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and evaluate seminars, classes, workshops, and other educational events on home horticulture topics.
• Create fact sheets, publications, and digital content (blogs, videos, podcasts) tailored to stakeholder needs.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and engage Master Gardener volunteers, fostering community‑based projects.
• Respond to client inquiries via phone, email, or in‑person visits, providing guidance on lawn care, plants, trees, composting, native species, pest control, and related subjects.
• Identify and diagnose plant or insect samples submitted by the public, offering timely recommendations.
• Provide pest‑control and fertilizer advice consistent with University of Maryland guidelines.
• Disseminate horticulture information through news releases, website updates, and other outreach channels.
• Collect, report, and evaluate program impact data to meet funding and policy requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in extension education, community outreach, or adult learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers and coordinate collaborative projects.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of integrated pest‑management and fertilizer best practices.

Required skills