Consumer Horticulture Specialist and Extension Master Gardener Program Director
Consumer Horticulture Specialist and Extension Master Gardener Program Director
School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Position Description: The School of Plant & Environmental Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension Service is seeking applications for Consumer Horticulture Specialist and Extension Master Gardener Director. This is a 12-month position based in Blacksburg, VA and holding the rank of Academic and Professional Faculty. The incumbent will provide statewide leadership and expertise for consumer horticulture, the Extension Master Gardener program and support extension agents and their local clientele with resources and expertise in consumer horticulture. The incumbent will seek out state, regional, and national opportunities to engage with multi-state research and extension projects and actively participate in national opportunities such as the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) and will provide leadership and guidance for the Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteer program by working with and providing oversight for the EMG State Coordinator. They will work collaboratively to provide timely in-service trainings for ANR, FCS, and 4-H agents who either have consumer horticulture responsibilities or oversee local EMG programs, work to maintain horticulture extension publications and create new publications, work with other specialists, extension agents, and the extension master gardener program to manage all extension horticulture publications. The incumbent will continue to facilitate professional development training and resources for high school teachers in conjunction with the SPES FFA Committee and maintain a working relationship with the Virginia FFA program through the State FFA Executive Secretary.
Required Qualifications: A Master of Science in horticulture or a closely related field of expertise. Work experience in and an understanding of cooperative extension and the land grant mission for outreach and engagement. Demonstrable experience in writing extension and outreach publications as well as delivering oral presentations to public audiences. Demonstrated ability to work with and support diverse colleagues, clientele, and audiences.
Desired Qualifications: Demonstrable experience in leading and managing teams of colleagues and volunteers as well as resource development experience including the ability to write and administer grants or project-based contracts. Experience in creating and delivering virtual content for educational outreach, training, or continuing education purposes. Program administration skills. Ability to work with youth or educators who work with youth as their primary target audience.
Applications: Required application materials include: 1) complete curriculum vitae, 2) examples of publications, 3) transcripts of all graduate course work, 4) statement of interest and vision for this position, and 5) names, addresses and email of four professional references. All inquiries should be directed to Mike Goatley, Search Committee Chair, (540) 231-2951, goatley@vt.edu. Additional information regarding SPES may be found at http://news.cals.vt.edu/spes/ and additional information regarding the Virginia Master Gardener Program may be found at https://ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden/master-gardener/Become-a-Master-Gardener.html. To apply for this position, go to http://jobs.vt.edu and select posting number 525759. Review of applications will begin on June 7, 2023 and all applications received by this date will be reviewed and considered.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status; or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss or disclose their compensation or compensation of other employees, or applicants, or any other basis protect by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Mike Goatley at goatley@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.