Master Gardener Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of horticulture, the role of a Master Gardener Coordinator has never been more crucial.

As our understanding of sustainable practices grows, so too does the demand for experienced individuals who can cultivate, nurture, and manage our garden landscapes.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Master Gardener Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker hoping to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager creating a picture of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of horticultural coordination,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Master Gardener Coordinator job description template, created for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Master Gardener Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

A Master Gardener Coordinator is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing various gardening projects and programs.

They work closely with volunteers, provide horticultural training, and ensure the implementation of environmentally sound practices.

Master Gardener Coordinators have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan and coordinate gardening projects and programs
• Provide training and support to volunteers in the Master Gardener program
• Design and implement various educational programs and workshops related to horticulture
• Collaborate with community partners to promote sustainable gardening practices
• Manage the recruitment, screening, and placement of Master Gardener volunteers
• Oversee the maintenance of gardens and greenhouses
• Ensure gardening practices are compliant with environmental and health regulations
• Prepare and manage budgets for gardening projects and programs
• Assess the effectiveness of programs and make necessary improvements
• Develop and maintain a database of volunteers, including their training, assignments, and hours

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Master Gardener Coordinator to organize and oversee all gardening activities and programs.

The Master Gardener Coordinator’s responsibilities include managing volunteer gardeners, organizing workshops, and promoting the importance of environmental sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for horticulture, excellent managerial skills, and a deep understanding of plant care and garden design.

The goal is to enhance and protect the environment while educating the community about the benefits of gardening.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all gardening activities and programs
• Organize and facilitate gardening workshops and seminars
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer gardeners
• Develop and implement garden maintenance plans
• Promote environmental sustainability and educate the community about the benefits of gardening
• Monitor and ensure the health of all plants
• Assist in the design and planning of garden layouts
• Prepare and manage gardening budget
• Maintain inventory of gardening supplies and equipment

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Master Gardener or similar role
• Extensive knowledge of horticulture and environmental sustainability
• Excellent managerial and organizational skills
• Ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for gardening and environmental conservation
• Ability to manage volunteers and coordinate gardening activities
• Degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to attend gardening and horticulture workshops and seminars

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Master Gardener Coordinator
• Work Environment: Outdoors in various weather conditions, with potential office work for planning and administrative tasks.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation or equivalent.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Master Gardener Coordinator Do?

A Master Gardener Coordinator typically works for local government agencies, botanical gardens, or educational institutions.

They can also work as self-employed individuals or consultants.

The primary responsibility of a Master Gardener Coordinator is to guide and oversee the activities of the Master Gardener program within their jurisdiction.

They manage the training and certification process for new Master Gardeners and coordinate the ongoing education for established members.

They collaborate closely with other horticulture professionals and Master Gardeners to plan and execute various gardening projects and initiatives.

They are involved in the organization of workshops, seminars, and plant clinics to educate the public about horticulture and gardening best practices.

In addition to this, they may have a hand in developing educational materials and resources.

They might also be involved in community outreach, conducting talks and presentations on various gardening topics.

Another crucial aspect of their job is to manage and organize volunteers for different gardening projects and events.

This could include assigning tasks, coordinating schedules, and ensuring the volunteers have the necessary resources to complete their tasks.

Their role also involves the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Master Gardener program.

They assess the impact of the program on the community and implement improvements as necessary.

A Master Gardener Coordinator is passionate about plants and gardening, and this passion is reflected in their dedication to educating others and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening practices.

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A Master Gardener Coordinator should ideally possess skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge about horticulture, plant identification, pest management, and soil science.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple gardening projects, volunteers, and educational programs simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey gardening tips and techniques to volunteers and the public, as well as to interact with diverse community members.
• Leadership skills to guide, motivate, and manage a team of master gardeners and volunteers.
• Ability to design and implement educational programs on gardening, horticulture, and related topics for various audience levels.
• Problem-solving skills to address gardening-related issues, such as pest infestations, plant diseases, and soil problems.
• Customer service skills to respond to inquiries from the public, provide gardening advice, and handle any disputes or complaints professionally.
• Physical abilities to perform gardening tasks, such as planting, pruning, weeding, and lifting heavy objects.

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Experience Requirements

Master Gardener Coordinators should ideally have several years of hands-on experience in horticulture, gardening, or a related field.

A degree in a related field such as horticulture, botany, or agriculture is often beneficial and can sometimes substitute for experience.

Many Master Gardener Coordinators gain practical experience by working as gardeners, landscapers, or horticulturists.

They may also have experience in volunteer coordination, community outreach, or education, as these roles often involve teaching and coordinating volunteers.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience in gardening or horticulture are often considered for entry-level Master Gardener Coordinator roles.

They typically have a strong foundational knowledge of plant care, disease management, pest control, and soil science, often gained through formal education or on-the-job experience.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have additional knowledge in areas such as permaculture design, urban farming, or sustainable agriculture.

They may also have experience managing a team or leading projects.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for senior or leadership roles within the organization.

They typically have extensive experience in various aspects of gardening and horticulture, as well as experience managing volunteers, planning community outreach activities, and designing educational programs.

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Master Gardener Coordinators typically have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field.

The knowledge gained from these programs is essential for understanding plant biology, soil science, pest management, and other aspects of gardening and landscaping.

Many Master Gardener Coordinators also complete a Master Gardener program, which provides more specialized training in horticulture.

These programs, often run by universities or cooperative extension services, offer both classroom instruction and hands-on gardening experience.

In addition to formal education, Master Gardener Coordinators need practical experience in gardening and landscaping.

This experience, often gained through internships or volunteer work, provides the skills necessary to coordinate gardening projects and advise other gardeners.

Some states or employers may require Master Gardener Coordinators to hold a professional certification, such as the Certified Horticulturist or Certified Professional Horticulturist credentials offered by the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Continuing education is also important for Master Gardener Coordinators.

They need to stay up to date with the latest horticultural practices, pest management techniques, and gardening trends.

This can be achieved through attending workshops, seminars, or conferences, or by participating in additional coursework or training programs.

Good communication and leadership skills are also essential, as the Master Gardener Coordinator’s role involves educating and leading a team of gardeners.

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Salary Expectations

A Master Gardener Coordinator earns an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on the level of experience, education, specific responsibilities, and geographical location.

 

Master Gardener Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Master Gardener Coordinator need?

A Master Gardener Coordinator should have strong knowledge of horticulture and botany along with excellent organizational and leadership skills.

They should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of people, such as volunteers, community members, and other professionals in the gardening field.

They must also have problem-solving skills to address garden issues and plant diseases.

 

Do Master Gardener Coordinators need a degree?

Master Gardener Coordinators typically hold a degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field.

Besides, they should also complete a Master Gardener program, which includes both classroom learning and volunteer hours.

Some positions may require additional certifications or professional experience in gardening or project management.

 

What should you look for in a Master Gardener Coordinator resume?

A Master Gardener Coordinator’s resume should highlight relevant education and certifications, including completion of a Master Gardener program.

Additionally, look for experience in coordinating volunteer programs or community projects, as well as hands-on gardening experience.

Knowledge of native plants, pest management, and sustainable gardening practices are also crucial.

 

What qualities make a good Master Gardener Coordinator?

A good Master Gardener Coordinator is passionate about gardening and the environment and is dedicated to promoting sustainable gardening practices in the community.

They must be a good leader who can motivate and manage a team of volunteers.

They should also be detail-oriented to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Master Gardener Coordinator?

Hiring a Master Gardener Coordinator can be challenging due to the specific skills and knowledge required for the position.

The candidate must have a solid background in horticulture and project management.

Additionally, they must be able to work well with volunteers and the public, which requires excellent communication and leadership skills.

Therefore, the pool of qualified candidates can be relatively small.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into what it really means to be a Master Gardener Coordinator.

Surprised?

It’s not just about planting seeds.

It’s about nurturing the environment, one plant at a time.

With our comprehensive Master Gardener Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to start your journey.

But why stop there?

Dig even deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every seed planted is a part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

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