Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension
Extension Unit 11, Pekin or Lewistown
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Job Summary
Support and assist in the management of the Master Gardener Volunteer programs and other Horticulture Extension related programs for adults and youth.
Duties & Responsibilities
Program Coordination and Development
Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the County Director or Educator. Programs could include, but are not limited to: unit Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs, horticulture workshops, 4 Seasons Gardening webinars, Gardeners' BIG Day, local foods and small farms programs.
Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs.
Conduct evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendation for continuation or discontinuation of the program.
Provide leadership, as primary contact, to volunteers, Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists in support of local Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs and their activities.
Collaborate with other ANR program staff as needed.
Work with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records.
Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
Conduct the evaluation of program activities and recommend continuation, modification, or discontinuance of the program.
Maintain required records and data.
Provide activity reports.
Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development
Recruit, screen and select Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers.
Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
Coordinate volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
Develop plans to involve volunteers in specific educational activities, including recruitment and training.
Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities, to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.
Marketing & Networking
Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for Master Gardener and Master Naturalist opportunities.
Utilize a variety of promotion methods including, personal contacts, social media and printed materials.
Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
Organizational Duties
Participates in professional development opportunities.
Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
Complies with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Additional Physical Demands
To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver's license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation or GED Any one or any combination that equals four (4) years/ 48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities College coursework in any field of study 60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) 90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months) 120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months)
Specialty Factors
Demonstrated experience and/or coursework in agriculture and/or natural resources.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Skills in communicating and collaborating with diverse audiences (ethnicity, socioeconomic, ages).
Ability to work effectively with others individually and in groups.
Ability to operate computer systems.
Attention to detail and prioritize tasks. Ability to multi-task.
Appointment Information
This is a 30% part-time Civil Service 0929 - Extension Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is $12,900.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 27, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact erallen@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
