Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2632P

Working Title

State Master Gardener Coordinator

Department

CAES-Horticulture

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

About the Program - Master Gardener Volunteers play a vital role in Cooperative Extension, assisting County Extension Agents in delivering horticultural information and programs throughout the state. They also take part in Extension-partnered community projects, from planting demonstration gardens to gardening projects with children and others within their communities. The Georgia MGEV Program has trained over 16,000 volunteer educators during its 45 years in the state. Today, there are over 2,000 active Master Gardeners statewide, volunteering in 50 participating counties.

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

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