Agriculture Extension Service Employee 
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cumberland County 
Salary Range: $32,930 - $37,877 

Description: This position functions as the coordinator for the Rutgers Master Gardeners for Cumberland County and is responsible for educational programming in horticulture for the residents of the County. 

Duties: Develops educational programming for the public and other audiences such as Master Gardeners, gardening clubs, and municipal environmental commissions, with topics covering gardening, home landscapes, environmental issues, and similar subjects. Community outreach to ensure all Cumberland County townships/municipalities and residents are aware of events, services, and programs available and actively engaged. 
Specific duties include:
• Coordinating and leading the Master Gardener program, meetings, educational events, and managing volunteers and their activities, including record-keeping, and communicating program guidelines
• Providing educational information through the creation and dissemination of newsletters, social media posts, short radio spots, PowerPoint lecture presentations, and other appropriate methods
• Address questions from the public on home horticulture and landscaping topics, received through phone calls, emails, and in-person visits
• Collecting and summarizing science-based information from credible sources such as books, university factsheets, university, and government websites. Presenting this information in a manner appropriate for the intended audience.
• Communicating with Master Gardener coordinators in other counties and the statewide coordinator in New Brunswick
• Planning and conducting educational programming to train new Master Gardener volunteers (“Interns”) for preparation to become Certified Master Gardeners
• Assisting Agricultural Agents with educational programing and applied research
• Performing in-house analysis of soil samples for pH and soluble salts

Requirements: Associate degree in horticulture, agriculture, or related fields. At least two years’ experience in a horticulture or agriculture preferred. Five years of relevant horticultural or agricultural experience may be substituted for the associate degree described above. Computer competency with Microsoft Office, social media, remote education platforms such as Zoom. Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to manage volunteers and build educational programs. Ability to communicate science-based information to diverse audiences. Possession of a valid N.J. Driver’s License and evidence of insurance and vehicle.

Hours: Typical work shifts are 8:30am–4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. Full-time, 35 hours per week.  

Note:  Offers of employment for this title are contingent upon successful completion of physical fitness testing, to include drug screenings, and verifications of N.J. Driver’s License status.
 

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to:  
Wheeler Fazenbaker, wheelerfa@CumberlandCountyNJ.gov
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled