Education Program Assistant 2: Master Gardener

Position Details

Position Information

Department Ext Lane County Area (TEX) Classification Title Education Program Assistant 2 Job Title Education Program Assistant 2: Master Gardener Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Eugene Benefits Eligible Part-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Regular Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 32 hours per week) Master Gardener, Education Program Assistant 2 position for the Division of Extension and Engagement's Extension Lane County with Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be located in Eugene, Oregon.

This Education Program Assistant 2 (EPA2) position is based at the Oregon State University Division of Extension and Engagement's (division) Extension Service office in Lane County, Oregon.

This EPA position provides critical support by assisting the Community Horticulture faculty member with volunteer management and educational delivery of the Master Gardener volunteer program including outreach, management, advertising, and record keeping for the program. Programs are delivered in a manner that is respectful of local norms and culture.

This EPA assists the Community Horticulture faculty member with ensuring that educational programs and outreach activities serve broad and diverse populations in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. This includes complying with civil rights and language/visual access regulations.

The division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian's awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.

This EPA position requires working outside the office. Active and effective communication with staff and key stakeholders is critical to the success of this position.

About Lane:

Lane County is one of 36 counties in Oregon and is located in Western Oregon. The faculty, staff, and trained volunteers of the OSU Extension Service in Lane County work alongside local partners to provide educational workshops, activities, and services tailored to the unique industries, natural resources, and people in the Lane County communities. To learn more about Lane County, visit the Lane County Oregon webpage (https://www.lanecounty.org/home) and the Extension Lane County webpage (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/lane).

About the Extension Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (ASNR) Program:

The ASNR program aims to promote improvements in the economic, environmental and social well-being of Oregon residents. The ASNR program serves broad and diverse audiences in Oregon communities having specialized interests by delivering information through faculty who have a presence in 36 county offices, 11 branch agricultural experiment stations at 15 locations, and who represent 11 academic departments at Oregon State University. To learn more about our ASNR program, please visit: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/main/agricultural-sciences-and-natural-resources-extension-program.

About the division:

The Division of Extension and Engagement (division) is core to Oregon State University's mission. The Division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our division and its core units and initiatives, please visit: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/.

Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities, and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU division's educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people. OSU division prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. All employees are responsible for and expected to comply with Civil Rights obligations and actively work to expand access to all eligible populations.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

80% - Program Coordination and Delivery

• Provide logistical and other support for Lane County Master Gardener volunteers, including training and orientation, associated workshops, garden tours and other educational events.
• Manage communication with volunteers, via phone, email and in-person. Volunteers will have diverse backgrounds and different communication styles and expectations.
• Maintain record keeping systems for Master Gardener program including mail lists, volunteer hours, and associated program materials.
• Contribute to and prepare program related reports and publications using methods to reach an audience from broad and diverse backgrounds and cultural identities.
• Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies necessary to Master Gardener program.
• Maintain collaborative community partnerships, independently.
• Coordinate and deliver non-credit educational programs using pre-approved curricula, materials and information that meet national and state standards for Extension Master Gardener Programs.
• Compile and summarize evaluation data and program statistics. Share program evaluation data with stakeholders and decision makers.
• Prepare monthly narratives, reports, and year-end statistical reports, as required.
• Assist in developing and enforcing Master Gardener volunteer rules and procedures.
• Coordinate volunteer scheduling primarily with the Master Gardener program.
• Answer basic technical questions, and/or deliver basic technical topics at workshops and seminars, depending on training and/or expertise. Driving/travel is required to deliver non-credit educational programming and services throughout Lane County.
• Assist the managing faculty with creating accessible and inclusive environments that make space for a range of learner needs and provide reasonable accommodations for non-credit educational delivery, Extension, service, and outreach.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify and engage local partners in community assessment and recommend adjustments to educational programs.

10% - Outreach and Engagement

• Promote and market non-credit educational programs using multiple digital communication tools in conjunction with other staff; i.e., generating news releases and other advertising for events, volunteer correspondence and telephone contacts.
• Assist with assembling training materials and handouts for events.
• Develop, maintain, and set up educational content for displays and exhibits.
• Coordinate scheduling and assist with training and orientation for volunteers who work at events and in the Extension Lane County office.
• Set up educational displays and arrange for volunteer staffing at events.

5% - Service

• Ensure a welcoming and inclusive customer service for all.
• Attend scheduled meetings and trainings.
• Attend meetings with community partners as needed.
• Attend OSU Extension Service County office staff meetings and participate in OSU Extension Service activities as directed.

5% - Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Attend training opportunities mandated by the university and build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
• Complete the division's civil rights training session(s) and coordinate the completion by volunteers.

What We Require

Associate's Degree and three years of work experience (paid or volunteer) supporting community programs that serve children, youth or adults OR Bachelor's Degree and one year of work experience (paid or volunteer) one year of which must be working in youth development programs, adult education, teaching, program delivery or related functions OR Five years experience in a field related to the duties of the position AND a high school diploma or equivalent. AND Demonstrated oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences. Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, data management, and communications.

What You Will Need

• General knowledge and ability to use computers, including proficiency with information technology, collaborative work platforms, and professional office software such as or similar to the Microsoft Applications.
• Ability to communicate successfully and inclusively with broad and diverse groups with varying backgrounds and communication styles and expectations.
• A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Demonstrated leadership experience with volunteer programs.
• Experience coordinating volunteers.
• Knowledge and skills in sustainable gardening and landscaping.
• Prior participation in the Master Gardener training or other Extension volunteer program.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communication systems, including website software, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work as a collaborative member of a team.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Flexibility to work non-standard hours (evenings and weekends) and in a variety of outdoor settings. Evenings and weekends may be required based on programming needs, coordinating with supervisor to adapt work schedule to address community programming needs.

The ability to transport (lift and carry) up to 30 pounds of educational materials.

The Education Program Assistant has regular contact with the public, in person and by telephone or email, to promote awareness of interest in a program. There is regular communication in person, by telephone and email with participants, potential participants, and community partners to deliver non-credit educational programs. This Education Program Assistant works collaboratively with volunteers.

Driving/travel is required to support delivery of non-credit educational programming throughout Lane County. Business mileage will be reimbursed based on OSU policies. For information on vehicle use: https://risk.oregonstate.edu/vehicles

Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Min Salary $21.91 Max Salary $33.11 Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/12801

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P05693CT Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/20/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 06/15/2026 Full Consideration Date Closing Date 06/28/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

Accommodation and/or Accessibility Requests: Please reach out to the Search Chair with any requests or questions for accommodation and/or accessibility relating to the interview process. Alternatively, requests may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (541) 737-3556.

Due to funding, OSU will not sponsor immigration work authorization for this position (e.g., H-1B, etc.).

For additional information please contact:

Logan Bennett

logan.bennett@oregonstate.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Describe how you specifically meet the requirements of this position through your professional and/or volunteer experience. The requirements can be found under "What We Require" and "What You Will Need" of this posting.

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• VETERANS ONLY: Must provide proof of Veteran Status (DO NOT upload any unrelated documentation - information uploaded to this field will be removed once reviewed)