Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator

Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator

Salary

$45,547.21 - $77,430.25 Annually

Location

Johnston County Human Resources, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

02667

Department

Cooperative Extension

Opening Date

09/03/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator provides administrative, operational, and volunteer leadership support to the Consumer Horticulture Extension Agent and their programs at the Johnston County Center. The primary goal of this position is to coordinate, strengthen, and expand the NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteer program in Johnston County. The Coordinator assists in managing volunteer recruitment, training logistics, database reporting, Customer Helpline operations, and community outreach efforts, ensuring that research-based horticultural science from NC State University is effectively delivered to Johnston County residents.

This person must be self-directed, having the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and schedules, have effective oral and written communication skills, and be willing to work with broad audiences. Computer, organization, interpersonal and networking skills are crucial for success. Ability to effectively deliver information via social media is expected. Candidates must be willing to work with the staff to support the entire Extension program.

A key part of the role is building and maintaining positive working relationships with volunteers, providing clear guidance, timely follow-up, and responsive support that helps volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and successful.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Volunteer Program Management & Engagement (20%)

• Act as the primary administrative point of contact and supportive leader for Johnston County Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteer onboarding, orientation, and annual re-certification processes in compliance with NC State Extension policies.
• Monitor, track, and approve volunteer service and continuing education hours using the NC State Extension Master Gardener online Intranet database management system.
• Support volunteer retention and recognition through annual appreciation events, awards, and ongoing volunteer engagement initiatives.
• Assist in facilitating Advisory committee leadership meetings with the Johnston County EMG volunteers and/or project committees.
• Track and support the annual recertification process for Extension Master Gardener volunteers by monitoring completion of required volunteer service hours, continuing education hours, and monthly reporting. Communicate with volunteers to meet requirements.
• Maintain Extension Master Gardener Intranet content, including volunteer opportunities, education opportunities, announcements, calendars, and reporting reminders; monitor reporting compliance and completeness.

2. Training & Education Logistics (20%)

• Assist the Horticulture Agent in organizing and delivering the annual training course (curriculum, speakers, and materials).
• Assist the Consumer Horticulture Agent with class registration, payment tracking, and distribution of training materials (e.g., Extension Gardener Handbook).
• Help organize and schedule monthly Master Gardener business and continuing education programs, guest lectures, and specialized workshops for active volunteers.

3. Community Outreach & Public Service Support (25%)

• Provide customer service support for program requests and inquiries, including routing questions, coordinating schedules, communicating program information to the public and volunteers and technical assistance for consumer horticulture clients.
• Oversee the scheduling and operations of the Johnston County EMG volunteer Customer Help Line (phone, email, and walk-in client inquiries).
• Coordinate volunteer scheduling for community Mobile Plant Clinics, public information booths, farmers markets, demonstration gardens, and the annual Johnston County EMGv Plant Sale.
• Assist in organizing public workshops and community education series (e.g., library adult presentations, children's garden, Jr. Master Gardener classes, school gardens and lawn and garden workshops).
• Assist in organizing the Clayton Educational Garden workdays and A-Z Gardening classes.
• Coordinate volunteer scheduling of workdays and maintenance of the Johnston County Ag Center Demonstration Gardens.
• Oversee scheduling of requests for EMGv Speakers Bureau and Therapeutic Gardening presentations.
• Assist in organizing the bi-annual symposium.

4. Communication & Administrative Support (25%)

• Draft, edit, and distribute communications, newsletters (e.g., The Gardener's Dirt), and announcements to volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Extension Agent and County Communications staff to update web content and social media platforms highlighting EMG events and outreach.
• Assist the Agent in maintaining records, gathering evaluation data, and writing annual county impact reports for county administration and NC State Extension.
• Manage inventory for program educational supplies, outreach materials, and demonstration garden supplies.

5. Program Assistant for the Horticulture Extension Agent (10%)

• Assist county horticulture agent with planning, marketing, and teaching community workshops, seminars, and field days.
• Assists with hands-on maintenance and technical support for local demonstration plots, office grounds, or public garden facilities.
• And other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Volunteer Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate, delegate, organize, and support diverse adult volunteers.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal, public speaking, and organizational skills.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional time management, multi-tasking, and event planning capabilities with keen attention to detail.
• Horticultural Awareness: Familiarity with sustainable gardening practices, IPM pest management principles, and consumer horticulture concepts (or eagerness to complete training).
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with extension agents, university specialists, county employees, and community partners.
• Skills:
• Proficiency in basic office software (email, webinars, word processing, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, spreadsheets, and database entry).
• Have a passion for community service, education, and consumer horticulture.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Environment: Work is conducted in a mixed environment including professional office space, classrooms, outdoor demonstration gardens, and community event sites.
• Physical Demands: Activities may include working alongside Master Gardner volunteers on a variety of indoor and outdoor gardening projects, such as planting, maintaining garden areas, handling gardening materials and supplies, and assisting with other related task.
• Schedule: Standard business hours, with periodic requirements for evening meetings or Saturday community events/plant sales.
• Travel: Local travel within Johnston County required. Must possess a valid Driver's License and reliable transportation.

Desired Education and Experience

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience coordinating volunteers, managing educational programs, or working in community outreach.
• Formal coursework or hands-on experience in Consumer Horticulture, landscape management, or environmental science.
• Demonstrated experience with social media management, basic graphic design (e.g., Canva), and newsletter publishing software.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

Employer Johnston County