Description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 06/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 01/15/2026 Job Closing Date 03/13/2026 Open until filled No Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should submit the following documentation in electronic format: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statements of extension, and (5) a list of at least three references with contact information including email address. Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Sheri Dorn, Assistant Professor, Email: sdorn@uga.edu. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 1, 2026.
Location of Vacancy Griffin Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Public Service Assistant Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have a Master's degree or higher in Horticulture, Agriculture, or closely related field.
Position Summary
The Department of Horticulture (https://hort.caes.uga.edu/) in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia is seeking applicants for a State Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Coordinator. The position is a full-time, public service track faculty position, with a 100% Extension appointment. This position will report directly to the Horticulture Department Head.

Faculty position responsibilities include:

• Provide statewide leadership to the MGEV Program
• Serve as a resource to Extension personnel, including those at the county, district, and state levels
• Coordinate and expand training opportunities and methods for MGEVs and county personnel, including use of asynchronous platforms, covering relevant horticultural and volunteer management topics
• Update MGEV program materials, policies, and administrative manuals
• Manage the MGEV program budget, including fund raising and grant procurement
• Maintain the statewide MGEV recordkeeping system, MGLOG
• Teach Master Gardener classes, as needed
• Promote the Georgia MGEV program through statewide channels, including use of college websites and social media
• Serve as liaison to Georgia Master Gardener Association (GMGA)
• Contribute to Extension programming and resources related to candidate's expertise
• Develop strategic collaborations, such as with Horticulture faculty, other public service units, and external organizations, to support and expand the MGEV program
• Supervise a Program Assistant
• Statewide, regional, and national travel, including attendance at state and national Extension Master Gardener conferences

The position will be housed at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Griffin, Georgia, which is located 30 miles south of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, in the heart of one of the nation's fastest growing areas in the nation. The 123-acre campus is one of the premier agricultural research centers in the region, housing world-class research facilities such as the Center for Food Safety and the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center.
Additional Requirements
Prior service in volunteer management and working with groups is required.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Preference for service with Cooperative Extension.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Candidates must have excellent organizational development, leadership, and communication skills, including public speaking. Candidates must be proficient in digital technology, including multimedia presentations. Knowledge of social media, online teaching and learning, and electronic publishing are essential.
Physical Demands
Sitting for an extended amount of time, lifting up to 50 lbs.
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide statewide leadership to the MGEV Program
• Serve as a resource to Extension personnel, including those at the county, district, and state levels
• Coordinate and expand training opportunities and methods for MGEVs and county personnel, including use of asynchronous platforms, covering relevant horticultural and volunteer management topics
• Update MGEV program materials, policies, and administrative manuals

Percentage Of Time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage the MGEV program budget, including fund raising and grant procurement
• Maintain the statewide MGEV recordkeeping system, MGLOG
• Teach Master Gardener classes, as needed
• Promote the Georgia MGEV program through statewide channels, including use of college websites and social media

Percentage Of Time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison to Georgia Master Gardener Association (GMGA)
• Contribute to Extension programming and resources related to candidate's expertise
• Develop strategic collaborations, such as with Horticulture faculty, other public service units, and external organizations, to support and expand the MGEV program

Percentage Of Time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise a Program Assistant
• Statewide, regional, and national travel, including attendance at state and national Extension Master Gardener conferences

Percentage Of Time 15

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
5. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Letters of Recommendation