Master Gardener Program : Master Gardener Job Description

Master Gardener Job Description

The master gardener program is designed to develop a program delivery system and necessary teaching resources to assist the Horticulture Program Assistant in meeting the needs of the county residents with horticultural related problems.

Volunteer's responsibilities:

• Participate actively in training sessions and keep up-to-date on the latest horticulture information.
• Answer consumer questions on horticulture related information for both phone consultations and personal contacts.
• Provide reliable, unbiased information Always representing both sides of an issue.
• Promote enrollment in Cooperative Extension.
• Maintain records of program contacts monthly.
• Teach basic horticultural classes to appropriate community groups

Assists with any or all of the following options:

• Washington County Fair Booth
• Soil Testing Clinics
• Plant Diagnostic Clinics

Volunteer's Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of gardening
• Enthusiasm
• Interest in helping people
• Ability to communicate
• Knowledge of community resources
• Belief in the value of extension's educational programs

Training and/or Resources to be Provided:

• Master Gardener training sessions
• Master Gardener reference manuals available for use in office or home purchase
• Horticulture library in office
• Consultations with extension staff
• Monthly organizational/ educational meetings

Time Estimate:

• Master Gardener training session(15 weeks- one weekday per week, 5 hours per session.  First year mandatory - following years optional with individual sessions up to the discretion of the participants).
• Two half days per month of volunteer service (8 hours)
• Monthly organizational/ educational meetings (3 hours)

Benefits:

• Participate in training programs in all aspects of basic horticulture.
• Learn new skills and sharpen old ones.
• Meet and work with other individuals interested in horticulture
• Acquire valuable work experience (a personnel file is started for each volunteer and includes the initial application, a record of completed training, an annual informal evaluation of job performance and copies of all reference letters sent to prospective employers).
• Receive basic program materials provided at no cost.

Volunteer Application (Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF)