Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Dakota County

Title: Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Dakota County

Classification: Extension Program Associate 3 (job code 8316A3), Civil Service

Appointment: Part-time, 75% FTE (30 hours/week), with University Benefits

Salary: $27-31/hour; commensurate with training and experience

Extension Area: Department Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

Location: Dakota County Extension Office, 4100 220th St. West, Suite 101, Farmington, MN 55024

Apply By: February 18, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Master Gardener Program Coordinators are responsible for general oversight of the University of Minnesota's Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, which promotes best horticulture practices to Minnesota residents. Coordinators are responsible for engaging and managing volunteers and communicating the public value of volunteer projects to regional directors. The program coordinator reports to the Master Gardener program leader/state program coordinator.

The primary role of this newly created position is to sustain and support Master Gardener volunteers in Dakota County. The coordinator will collaborate with volunteers to determine the strategic direction of the program, establish priorities, manage budgets, promote and recognize volunteer leadership, and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that positively impact the community.

This is a 75%, 30 hours a week position in Dakota County. The coordinator will have office space in the Dakota County Extension office and is expected to have a regular presence in the office depending on the work and at the determination of the supervisor. This position reports to the Master Gardener State Program Coordinator. Schedule to be determined by the supervisor and will fluctuate depending on the needs of the work.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Program Management (45%)

• Cultivate and maintain collaborations with community organizations and stakeholders; leverage resources to educate residents about using research-based horticulture.
• Recruit, train and orient volunteers to meet program and county expectations. Develop recruitment goals with volunteers and review with state coordinator/program leader.
• Continually increase the level of volunteer community engagement and impact. Develop yearly goals with volunteers and review with the state coordinator/program leader.
• Report on state/county activity and participate in volunteer and leadership meetings.
• Coordinate and implement new initiatives in alignment with the county and state programs' strategic plan.
• Lead the Master Gardener group in setting annual goals to align with program priorities and county goals.
• Document and report the program's public value to stakeholders via presentations, written reports, video, or social media; report success stories and program highlights to the state program via annual reports.
• Manage the program database. Use technology to communicate, locate information, monitor trends, design and deliver programs, evaluate, and report.
• Oversee accountability of volunteers; ensure volunteer work focuses on education and aligns with state program and county needs.
• Ensure availability and accuracy of the local Master Gardener program data; use appropriate evaluation systems to compile data for annual reports and demonstrate program impact.
• Ensure that volunteer opportunities, programs, facilities, committees, and education are accessible to diverse audiences.
• Work collaboratively with the group's treasurer and ensure financial management systems are in alignment with the University of Minnesota policies and procedures.

Volunteer Management (45%)

• Serve as the first point of contact for the program and access to volunteers.
• Manage the recruiting, confirmation and orientation processes, and on-going support of new volunteers.
• Work with new and experienced volunteers on leadership succession planning and ensure volunteers with leadership skills are identified, coached, and encouraged to take on leadership positions.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among volunteers in coordination with the state program.
• Review, implement, and ensure compliance with program policies and guidelines set by the University of Minnesota and Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program (e.g., Safety of Minors Policy).
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, volunteers, audiences, and partnerships.

State Leadership Team Partnership (10%)

• Partner with the State Leadership Team in promoting the mission of the program to volunteers.
• Promote and reinforce the use of educational offerings developed by the University of Minnesota Extension educators among volunteers (e.g., Flowers for Pollinators and Water Wisely train-the-trainer learning packages, Hot Topics, etc.).
• Promote and implement state-wide program goals, objectives, and initiatives in a positive way at the county level.
• Report on program activity and participate in regularly scheduled program meetings with coordinators and the program leader.
• Provide constructive input to the State Leadership Team for the development of future program strategies and policies.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; or a combination of related higher education and work experience to equal eight (8) years. At least four years of experience to include volunteer engagement, team leadership/management, project management, human resources, or education-focused leadership.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• To communicate with, supervise, and empower volunteers/team members to be effective in their roles.
• To effectively organize and coordinate team work, resources, and projects.
• Strong skills in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications including data entry, email communications, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience coordinating, managing, and overseeing volunteers
• Knowledge and/or interest in horticulture
• Knowledge and/or experience working with budgets

Additional Requirements:

• Driver's license and applicable insurance is required to transport themselves and supplies and possibly other people to/from multiple locations for work; at times in a single workday.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours
• Ability to work regularly at assigned Extension office
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds and push/pull 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

ABOUT THE EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is the local arm of an internationally-recognized volunteer program. The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program shares research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivates diverse collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspires change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. Extension Master Gardener activities focus on seven program priorities including horticulture skills, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, nearby nature, clean water, climate responsiveness, and local food.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $27-$31; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position contact:

Diane Greiwe, Volunteer Manager, Master Gardener Program, dhgreiwe@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.