Consumer Horticulture/Master Gardener Coordinator (Extension Program Assistant/Associate)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you- belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The Program Assistant supports Brunswick County Cooperative Extension's Consumer Horticulture program, which includes the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program and assisting residents by phone or in person with questions. A key part of the role is building and maintaining positive working relationships with volunteers, providing clear guidance, timely follow-up, and responsive support that helps volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and successful. This position coordinates the administrative and operational work that keeps these Consumer Horticulture programs running smoothly.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. Brunswick County is a prosperous, vibrant, and forward-thinking coastal community that offers opportunities to enhance and sustain the highest quality of life for residents.

For information about Brunswick County, see https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/.

To learn more about the NCCE Brunswick County Center, go to https://brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu.

Duties and Responsibilities
* Provide administrative and program coordination support for Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture programming, including the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program.

* Provide customer service support for program requests and inquiries, including routing questions, coordinating schedules, communicating program information to the public and volunteers and technical assistance for consumer horticulture clients.

* Track and support the annual recertification process for Extension Master Gardener volunteers by monitoring completion of required volunteer service hours, continuing education hours, and monthly reporting. Communicate with volunteers to meet requirements.

* Maintain accurate Extension Master Gardener contact information and volunteer status records and update records as needed.

* Maintain Extension Master Gardener Intranet content, including volunteer opportunities, education opportunities, announcements, calendars, and reporting reminders; monitor reporting compliance and completeness.

* Draft the weekly email update to Extension Master Gardener volunteers that includes program announcements, volunteer opportunities with sign-up links, and continuing education opportunities.

* Coordinate and administer an annual Extension Master Gardener survey, including distribution, collection, organization of responses, and basic summary support for the Consumer Horticulture Agent.

* Support Extension Master Gardener recognition activities, including service milestones, awards, and event-related recognition materials as assigned.

* Support maintenance of reference materials and resources (for example: binders, fact sheets, and integrated pest management references) and order new supplies as needed.

* Complete monthly data entry for program impact logs as assigned (for example: soil samples).

* Coordinate and schedule volunteer-led guided tours at the Brunswick County Center Botanical Garden, including calendar management, volunteer communication, and ensuring coverage.

* Compile monthly attendance, contact totals, and required demographic data from sign-in sheets and program records; enter data into the Extension Reporting System and maintain supporting documentation.

* Assist with logistics and communications for events and program activities as assigned, including the Extension Master Gardener course, Extension Master Gardener graduation, off-site Plant Clinics, and community events.

* Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling volunteer records, participant information, and internal program documents, and follow applicable North Carolina Cooperative Extension policies and program guidelines.

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The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent.

One to three years of experience working with youth programming, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduation from a two-year college or vocational/technical school with course emphasis in human relations and/or youth development or other relevant subject matters is preferred.

* Engaging, relationship-focused interpersonal skills; enjoys working with volunteers and providing responsive customer service.

* Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines, schedules, and multiple priorities.

* Strong written communication skills for clear, friendly volunteer updates, instructions, and public-facing messages.

* Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets); comfortable with email, spreadsheets, basic database entry, webinars, and social media tools.

* General knowledge of horticulture and interest in public education and volunteer-driven programming.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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