Horticulture Coordinator

Town/City
Sioux City
Base County
Woodbury
Counties Served
Woodbury
Objective

To plan and deliver programming in the program area of agriculture and natural resources.  Specifically, to work with staff and volunteers to plan, implement, market and evaluate horticulture education programming, including the promotion of local foods and local producers in Woodbury County and the Woodbury County Master Gardener program.

Responsibilities

  • Provides direct instruction of education and experience.
  • Plans, coordinates, and implements educational programming in a specific program area in collaboration with program specialists, regional director, county director and councils.
  • Builds community collaborations and serves as the face of ISU Extension and Outreach locally.
  • Inform supervisor of county projects and project outcomes.
  • Support and initiate strategies to develop volunteer networks.
  • Manages local data collection in line with program area requirements.
  • Manages project budgets within the program area. 
  • Maintain a positive working relationship with staff and clients in the county.
  • Continually develop and enhance relevant skills and understand current professional standards.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Consumer Horticulture

  1. Coordinate Master Gardener volunteers to answer clients’ yard and garden questions.
  2. Personally, answer clients’ yard and garden questions with ongoing professional development.
  3. Keep informed of university’s current research and publications in horticulture.
  4. Make sure records are kept up to date.
  5. Assist with education for youth through summer camps and learning opportunities incorporating the Marilyn Engel Teaching Garden.
  6. Assist with community garden outreach and education.
  7. Respond to requests for public speaking on the topic of horticulture by presenting or coordinating a local Master Gardener volunteer to assist.
  8. Explore Junior Master Gardener Program as an opportunity for the county; potential for specialty 4-H Garden Club.  
  9. Host the Master Conservationist course as interest is shown. 
  10. School Garden 101 needs to be offered consistently; utilizing volunteers to teach
  11. Coordination of the Siouxland Garden Symposium with committee.
    1. Selection of speakers and education for the symposium.
    2. Evaluate each educational session.
    3. Coordinate committee and lead effort of volunteer coordination for the symposium.
  12. Assist other counties in the region with garden related programming as requested, per contract agreement.

Master Gardener Volunteer Management

  1. Connect with Master Gardener Intern class in Woodbury county.
    1. Recruit members to the online statewide training course.
    2. Coordinate and create new opportunities for interns with volunteer opportunities to give back to the community. 
  2. Work to expand and maintain the Woodbury County Master Gardner Program.
  3. Maintain Certified Master Gardener files using the Volunteer Reporting System.
  4. Maintain all correspondence for the horticulture and/or Master Gardener program.
  5. Maintain all Woodbury County Master Gardener program records.
  6. Send monthly Master Gardener newsletter with timely information and ongoing community volunteer opportunities.
  7. Ensure background checks are up to date for volunteers. 

Local Foods Programming

  • Plan and host at least two educational events each year for county participants (i.e. local foods dinners; wine tours; vegetable potting classes)
  • Provide educational opportunities for producers and buyers (Farmer’s Market Vendors) 
  • Presence at the Sioux City Farmer’s Market seasonally.
  • Coordinate the Power of Produce Club at local Farmer’s Market seasonally.
  • Plan and provide a culinary education event each year. (i.e. Bike-N-Bite)
  • Serve as a representative for Extension on the Farmer’s Market Board of Directors. 
  • Work on grant applications to secure additional funding for the program.
  • Assist County Directors, Regional Director, and Field Specialists on programs as directed.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Content knowledge in the field of agriculture and natural resources
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Computer, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Team player and people oriented
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends
  • Teaching or facilitation experience in field related to program area if direct instruction is a required job responsibility
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree with additional years’ experience
  • Demonstrated record of establishing new programs
  • Successful contract and grant writing experience
  • Experience working cooperatively with boards and diverse groups
Additional Information

TO APPLY: Please submit Application, Resume, Cover Letter and References to karriek@iastate.edu by October 20th

Job Type
Full Time
Hours
40 hours/week
Wages (type)
Salary
Wages (status)
exempt
Wages
40,000
Application Deadline

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.