Horticulture Program Coordinator, UW Extension Dane County
HORTICULTURE PROGRAM COORDINATOR (50-100%)
DANE COUNTY
Position Description and Position Vacancy Announcement
Application Due Date: JULY 31, 2012
Cooperative Extension Vision: To be a thriving, well-known and sought-out educational resource that reflects the rich diversity of the state.
Cooperative Extension Purpose: We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.
Working Title: Dane County Horticulture Program Coordinator (50-100%)
Official Title: Associate Lecturer
Geographic Areas Served: Primarily Dane County and occasionally extending beyond county boundaries for specific commitments and team programming.
Office Location: Dane County UW-Extension, 1 Fen Oak Ct. Ste. 138, Madison, WI 53718
Type of Appointment:
This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment in the University of Wisconsin-Extensions division of Cooperative Extension. Reappointment to this position after the initial term is dependent upon availability of funding and performance.
Position Purpose:
The Horticulture Program Coordinator works in partnership with the Dane County Horticulture Educator to design and deliver educational horticulture programs. The Program Coordinator provides coordination and instruction by working with Master Gardener volunteers, adults and youth to assist them in understanding and learning horticultural information that effectively meets their individual and collective needs. Program goals are accomplished through appropriate uses of individual instruction, group teaching, technology and media, and through serving as an educational advisor to program-related groups and organizations.
The Horticulture Program Coordinator will work in cooperation with the Dane County Horticulture Educator to create and support an integrated, vibrant horticulture program that meets the unique and changing educational needs of a diverse urban and rural audience and green industry within Dane County. Collaboratively, the Horticulture Program Coordinator and the Dane County Horticulture Educator will assure programs are based on identified local needs, with focus on providing access to educational programs.
The major emphasis of this position will be horticulture education for the general public, the Master Gardener Volunteer program, school and community gardens, support for the Dane County UW-Extension Teaching Garden, Plant Health Advisor program and plant diagnostics. The Horticulture Program Coordinator will provide support, volunteer coordination and guidance for the Dane County Master Gardener Volunteer program, the Dane County Food Coalition, and horticulture youth development programs. Subject matter sharing and collaboration with other Dane County program staff will be expected.
The percent of appointment may be expanded to 100% depending on whether grant funding for a special horticulture education project is awarded in July 2012.
Primary Duties/Essential Job Functions:
- Deliver and teach culturally relevant community-based educational programs through a variety of methods based on assessments of community educational needs
- Coordinate Master Gardener Volunteers and other volunteers including recruitment and development of volunteer leadership necessary to carry out the plan of work
- Serve as liaison between schools, community gardens, Food Coalition, Madison Area Master Gardener Association (MAMGA) and other organizations and Extension volunteers
- Serve as coordinator for the Dane County Food Coalition for the Shared Vision for a Healthy Community Food System grant project (tentative pending grant approval)
- Collaborate with program-related community coalitions and partnerships
- Reach and engage diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and do not discriminate to ensure full access to programs, facilities and educational services
- Conduct and report on program evaluations to improve program effectiveness and demonstrate value to programmatic and funding partners
- Build, strengthen and sustain trust-based relationships to promote cooperative and respectful work environments
- Develop and maintain relationships with programmatic and funding partners in ways that effectively communicate Extensions value
- Regularly consult with and report to Extension partners at the county and state levels to ensure accountability
- Develop and follow a professional development plan to ensure proficiency in priority content, current research and relevant competencies
- Be responsive to evolving position, program, office and organizational needs; perform additional duties as requested
- Contribute leadership, as needed, to ensure effective Extension office operations
Working Conditions:
- Make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions
- Assume weekly travel throughout the county and occasional travel within the state
- Work evenings on a regular basis and occasionally on weekends, as needed to meet local need
Position Expectations:
The Horticulture Program Coordinator aligns the work of this position with Cooperative Extensions purpose, vision and values in ways that contribute to supportive workplaces. Cooperative Extensions values of community, discovery, inclusiveness, relationships, and respect guide the Horticulture Program Coordinator in achieving the positions primary outcomes.
The Horticulture Program Coordinator is expected to contribute to Cooperative Extensions scholarly environment as appropriate for the position. Standards of excellence are expected to be met throughout the Horticulture Program Coordinators Extension career.
The Horticulture Program Coordinator actively participates in the shared governance and policy development of the institution, personally or through representatives, to ensure representation in matters affecting academic staff.
The Horticulture Program Coordinator meets the positions reporting accountabilities and performance expectations in collaboration with the Southern Regional Director (hiring authority), State Program Office for Agriculture and Natural Resources Education (ANRE), the Dane County Horticulture Educator and the Dane County Extension Department Head.
To be considered eligible for this position, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelors degree
- Horticulture/gardening knowledge and garden-based education experience
- Ability to promote and implement educational programs for youth and adults
- Ability to teach and communicate ideas effectively
- Ability to understand, motivate and work effectively with youth and adult volunteers
- Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Bachelors degree with current content expertise in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position, such as horticulture, agronomy, education, extension education, or related field
- Successful experience in community-based education
- Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing and applying evidence-based information and research findings
- Demonstrated educational program management skills including grant-writing, budget development, and fiscal resources management
- Successful experience developing volunteers and managing volunteer-delivered programs
- Successful volunteer or paid experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Successful experience developing effective partnerships or coalitions with community partners and local governments
- Ability to promote Cooperative Extension and its programs through mass media and public relations skills
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting
- Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining professional work environments
- Knowledge of adult learning principles
- Effective group facilitation skills
- Effective communication and presentation skills using a variety of methods and instructional technologies
- Experience with desk-top publishing, databases, and web page development
- Knowledge of Cooperative Extensions legacy as part of the U.S. system of land-grant institutions, dedicated to service in the public good
Organizational Competencies:
Individuals who demonstrate capacity in the following organizational competencies, as indicated by the examples listed below, are likely to experience higher levels of success within their Cooperative Extension positions:
Leadership
Inspires respect and trust; Practices strategic, shared and ethical decision making; Clarifies expectations and accepts feedback; Shows personal responsibility and follow through on commitments; Adapts well to change or unexpected events in the work environment; Finds solutions; Is willing and motivated to learn.
Relationship-building
Works in ways that support mutually beneficial partnerships, including being tactfully and diplomatically responsive to others and maintaining confidentiality; Understands group and team dynamics; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Chooses appropriate Extension roles in conflict situations; Manages interactions successfully through an awareness of ones emotions and those of others.
Inclusion
Recognizes, understands and appreciates the culturally different ways in which others express themselves; Treats others with dignity, respect and consideration; Demonstrates active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity through programming and outreach efforts.
Communication
Listens and seeks clarification; Adapts and varies communication to fit cultural contexts and circumstances; Demonstrates effective communication technology skills and presentation skills; Writes clearly and informatively; Possesses skills to strengthen others understanding of Extensions value.
Position Description Clarification:
This position description is not intended to be comprehensive in nature given the changes in primary duties/essential job functions and position expectations that can occur over time in response to emerging and assessed community, program and organizational needs. Changes to this position description are subject to the approval of the Cooperative Extension Human Resource Office and those to whom the position is accountable.
Position Benefits:
State of Wisconsin benefits, including retirement, vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and other insurances.
Equal Opportunity:
As an affirmative action employer, UW-Extension provides equal opportunity in programs and employment; and is strongly committed to maintaining a climate supportive of respect for differences and equality of opportunity. UW-Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, identity as a veteran, disabled veteran, Vietnam veteran or any other military service, arrest record or non-program related conviction record. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Materials will be made available in alternative format upon request. Please call 711 if you are hearing or speech impaired and need assistance. Direct inquiries concerning equal opportunity to: UW- Extension Office of Inclusion; Room 501; 432 N. Lake Street; Madison, WI 53706.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE:
1) To receive full consideration, the following application materials must be received by JULY 31, 2012
Cover letter (up to two pages) that summarizes how you meet the minimum qualifications of this position. Please prepare a paragraph for each of the minimum qualifications and include formal education, training, professional work history, volunteer work, research, and any related life experiences in your response. Please note that your response will be evaluated for content and written communication skills.
** See webpage for full posting **
Deadline: Tuesday, July 31, 2012
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