Education & Outreach Specialist

Education & Outreach Specialist

Location: Parks Administration Building, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33774

Schedule: Monday - Friday; Part-time - 24 hours a week

How would you like to work with faculty from the University of Florida IFAS to answer horticulture questions for the community? Pinellas County Extension Division has the job opportunity for you!!

Performs highly specialized work with designated responsibility in the operation of extension education programs; the public outreach education programs within the County Extension Division of the Parks & Conservation Resources Department; assists in the management and operation of a variety of statewide extension educational programs within distance education and horticulture; implements, and evaluates educational programs and/or provides advice and guidance to the public in the distance education and horticulture program areas.

What Would You Do?

• Assists with facilitation of educational programs before various groups.
• Coordinates, trains, and schedules horticulture volunteers dealing with the public.
• Distributes bulletins, leaflets, newsletters, and other written information to the public.
• Educates and advises the public on proper techniques of planting, growing, pruning, and maintaining trees and plants, including fruits and vegetables.
• Prepares, creates, and writes correspondence in response to written and verbal questions.
• Researches and gathers resource materials for such as visuals, demonstration supplies, and literature as required.
• Manages the activities of volunteers within the section or department.
• Assists with special assignments and projects for UF/IFAS agents.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

What Do You Need?

Experience: Horticulture, botany, education, biology, life sciences, natural resources, or related field.

Education: Degree in Horticulture, botany, education, biology, life sciences, natural resources, or related field.

• 4 years' experience as described above.

• Associate degree as described above, and at least 2 years of experience as described above.

• Bachelor's or higher-level degree as described above.

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report. Must provide personal properly licensed and insured automobile transportation for the performance of fieldwork.

• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

• Ability to work some Saturdays and Sundays

• Ability to work outside in inclement weather.

Highly Desirable

• Vegetable garden/urban agriculture experience.
• Knowledge of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) or IVM (Integrated Vegetation Management) best practices.
• Knowledge of County extension programs, curricula, and materials.
• Bilingual preferred; at a minimum, the ability to understand and to make oneself understood to all Spanish speaking individuals
• Public speaking experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to the County Extension Division.

• Knowledge of County education and outreach programs, curricula, and materials.

• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic.

• Knowledge of modern office equipment, practices, and procedures.

• Knowledge of educational methodologies and ability to provide information correctly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Skill in public speaking and/or dealing with the public.

• Skill in mass media techniques such as the various aspects of the internet, video educational presentations, PowerPoint presentations, radio interviews, etc.

• Ability to formulate and present ideas and topics clearly and concisely in written, oral, or graphic form.

• Ability to apply computer applications and software.

• Ability to work evenings, as necessary.

• Ability to relate courteously and effectively with the general public and others.

• Ability to make independent sound judgments.

This part-time position provides benefits!

• Ability to participate in health, vision, prescription, dental, life insurance, disability, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Paid time off to include pro-rated annual leave and paid holidays

• Wellness Program including a Wellness Center, gym discounts, and classes.

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options as well as deferred compensation programs.

• Full details here: https://pinellas.gov/benefits-for-permanent-and-temporary-employees/

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.

Education and Outreach Specialist, C21