Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Dakota County

Title: Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Dakota County

Classification: Extension Program Associate 3 (job code 8313OA), Civil Service

Appointment: Part-time, 75% FTE (30 hours/week)

Pay Range: $27-$31/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Extension Area: Department Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

Location: Dakota County Extension Office, Farmington, MN 55024

Apply By: December 12, 2025

About the Position

Master Gardener Program Coordinators are responsible for the general oversight of the University of Minnesota's Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, which promotes best horticulture practices to Minnesota residents. Coordinators engage and manage volunteers and communicate the public value of volunteer projects to regional directors. The program coordinator reports to the Master Gardener Program Leader/State Program Coordinator.

The primary role of this position is to sustain and support over 200 Master Gardener volunteers in Dakota County. The coordinator will collaborate with volunteers to determine the strategic direction of the program, establish priorities, recruit volunteers, manage budgets, promote and recognize volunteer leadership, and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that positively impact the community.

This is a 75% position (30 hours per week) based in Dakota County. The coordinator will have an assigned office space in the Dakota County Extension office in Farmington, MN and is expected to maintain a regular and primary presence there. The coordinator is expected to work Monday through Friday, with the understanding that occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. The schedule will be determined by the supervisor and may fluctuate based on program needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Program Management (45%)

• Cultivate and maintain collaborations with community organizations and stakeholders; leverage resources to educate residents about using research-based horticulture.
• Recruit, train and orient volunteers to meet program and county expectations. Develop recruitment goals with volunteers and review them with the state program coordinator.
• Continually increase the level of volunteer community engagement and impact. Develop yearly goals with volunteers and review with the state coordinator/program leader.
• Report on state/county activity; participate in volunteer and leadership meetings.
• Coordinate and implement new initiatives in alignment with the county and state programs' strategic plan.
• Lead the Master Gardener group in setting annual goals to align with program priorities and county objectives.
• Document and report the program's public value to stakeholders through presentations, written reports, video, and social media, Share success stories and program highlights with the state program via annual reports.
• Manage program data and evaluation systems using technology to monitor trends, compile annual reports, and demonstrate program impact. Ensure availability and accuracy of the local program data.
• Create and update volunteer programs and educational initiatives to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Identify gaps and take proactive steps to correct or improve program initiatives, communications, etc. to meet organizational and community needs.
• Work collaboratively with the group's treasurer and ensure financial management systems are aligned with the University of Minnesota policies and procedures.
• Other related duties as assigned

Volunteer Management (45%)

• Serve as the first point of contact for the program and for access to Dakota County's 200 volunteers.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to volunteer inquiries and concerns and provide clear communication to address their questions and requests.
• Manage the recruiting, confirmation and orientation processes, and on-going support of new volunteers.
• Collaborate with new and experienced volunteers on leadership succession planning. Identify, coach, and encourage those with leadership potential to take on leadership roles.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among volunteers in coordination with the state program.
• Review, implement, and ensure compliance with program policies and guidelines established by the University of Minnesota and Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program (e.g., Safety of Minors Policy).
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, volunteers, audiences, and partnerships

State Leadership Team Partnership (10%)

• Partner with the Master Gardener State Leadership Team to promote the mission of the program to volunteers.
• Promote and reinforce the use of educational offerings developed by the University of Minnesota Extension educators among volunteers (e.g., Flowers for Pollinators and Water Wisely train-the-trainer learning packages, Hot Topics, etc.).
• Support and implement state-wide program goals, objectives, and initiatives at the county level in an effective and positive way.
• Report on program activity and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with coordinators and the program leader.
• Provide constructive input to the Master Gardener State Leadership Team for the development of future program strategies and policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) with at least 4 years of experience in volunteer management, team leadership/management, project management, human resources, or education-focused leadership OR a combination of education and experience totaling at least eight (8) years in volunteer engagement management, team leadership/management, project management, human resources, or education-focused leadership, which includes a minimum of one (1) year of experience in coordinating, managing, or supporting volunteers as an employee or volunteer (e.g., non-profit, schools, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to successfully convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from varied cultural and organizational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and empowering teams or volunteers, including conflict resolution, educating on organizational policies and financial processes, and fostering a productive, inclusive work environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate resources, events, projects, and team efforts across multiple priorities.
• Strong skills in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications including data entry, email communications, and related tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as volunteer coordinator
• Knowledge of and interest in horticulture
• Knowledge of and experience with budgets

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance to transport themselves and supplies and possibly other people to multiple locations for work; at times in a single workday.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some required evening and weekend hours
• Ability to work regularly at assigned Extension office in Dakota County
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds and push/pull 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is the local arm of an internationally-recognized volunteer program. The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program shares research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivates diverse collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspires change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. Extension Master Gardener activities focus on seven program priorities including horticulture skills, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, nearby nature, clean water, climate responsiveness, and local food.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $27 - $31/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment (30 hours/week)

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position contact:

Diane Greiwe, State Program Coordinator, Master Gardener Program, dhgreiwe@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.