Community Gardens Program Specialist

Summary

Job TitlePosition is responsible for assisting with the delivery of Extension education programs within the Agriculture and Extension Service.Job DescriptionAssists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components.Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues.Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc.Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public.Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word­ processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc.Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops. Distributes educational and promotional materials.Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs.Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use.Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field.Minimum of two (2) years' experience developing research-based curriculum and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences (including youth, retirees, etc.).Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAble to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.Able to resolve routine situations and problems.Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.Able to communicate routine information clearly.General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.Capable of working independently.Solid communication skills, both written and oral, and good command of the English language (other language proficiencies welcome).Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.Ability to perform work outside in variable weather conditions.Ability to adapt to last minute changes in a quick manner using problem solving skills.Knowledge of experiential learning and interpretive techniques (or willingness to learn).Skill in the use of personal computers and appropriate software programs. Above average familiarity with Canva and Microsoft Office Suite preferred, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher.Organization, planning and record-keeping skills.Knowledge of curriculum/lesson plan development and implementation preferred.Ability to develop hands-on learning activities and service-based learning education materials.Veterans PreferenceIn accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.EEO/ADA StatementManatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.Drug-Free WorkplaceManatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.Emergency Response/Recovery ActivitiesAll employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.Employee BenefitsFull Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year), Personal Training (5 Free per year), Pharmacy Technician, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management, Registered Dietician (5 Free per year), Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation, Training/Seminars, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions, Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes)Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays, Personal Sick Leave, Family Sick Leave, Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours), Professional Medical Appointment Leave, Bereavement Leave, Military Leave, Military Training Leave, FMLAVacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives programInsurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Prescription Insurance, Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost), Long-term and Short-term Disability InsuranceRetirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars. Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial plannerCareer Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs, Instructor-Led and eLearning Training, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Career Counseling, Toastmasters, Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance), Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awardsEducation Benefits: Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.Permanent Part Time - Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation, Training/Seminars, FRS options, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions, Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes)Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs. per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis

Job Description

Job TitlePosition is responsible for assisting with the delivery of Extension education programs within the Agriculture and Extension Service.Job DescriptionAssists Extension Agent in the administration and promotion of assigned program.Coordinates the development, marketing, scheduling, planning, and delivery of public educational presentations, workshops, exhibits, projects, and evaluates effectiveness of educational components.Coordinates with staff, volunteers, Extension faculty, and other governmental agencies on youth development, horticultural, water quality and water conservation issues.Provides educational information and research resources to program participants, volunteers, and the general public regarding assigned program. Develops and prepares presentations, teaching aids, fact sheets, charts, etc.Writing and proof-reading, which includes but is not limited to articles, funding proposals, general correspondence, technical documents, manuals, booklets, reports, distance-learning products, etc.Skill in public relations, including promoting, networking and building mutually beneficial relationships with groups, agencies and the general public.Skill in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i.e., PowerPoint, word­ processing programs, Microsoft TEAMS, Zoom, Eventbrite, Outlook for e-mail and communications, Excel, ACR GIS, Survey 123, social media platforms, etc.Represents assigned program at outreach events. Staffs program booth/table at events. Sets up and tears down displays and exhibits. Develops and presents educational trainings, meeting and workshops. Distributes educational and promotional materials.Acts as liaison between program participants, volunteers, community groups, and other relevant parties. Develops, administers and oversees volunteer programs.Maintains records and documents regarding assigned programs and compiles program reports for management use.Strictly adheres to safety procedures to protect self, co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.Attends job-specific training classes as assigned by supervisor.Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in education, youth development, community development/sociology, natural/environmental sciences, recreation, or related field.Minimum of two (2) years' experience developing research-based curriculum and delivering educational programming to diverse audiences (including youth, retirees, etc.).Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAble to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.Organizes own work and completes tasks within assigned timeframes.Able to resolve routine situations and problems.Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills to be able to interact professionally and effectively with co-workers, management, volunteers, the general public, and other stakeholders.Able to communicate routine information clearly.General knowledge and understanding of computer applications and software programs required to perform job duties.General knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance necessary to successfully perform job duties.Capable of working independently.Solid communication skills, both written and oral, and good command of the English language (other language proficiencies welcome).Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.Ability to perform work outside in variable weather conditions.Ability to adapt to last minute changes in a quick manner using problem solving skills.Knowledge of experiential learning and interpretive techniques (or willingness to learn).Skill in the use of personal computers and appropriate software programs. Above average familiarity with Canva and Microsoft Office Suite preferred, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher.Organization, planning and record-keeping skills.Knowledge of curriculum/lesson plan development and implementation preferred.Ability to develop hands-on learning activities and service-based learning education materials.Veterans PreferenceIn accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.EEO/ADA StatementManatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.Drug-Free WorkplaceManatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.Emergency Response/Recovery ActivitiesAll employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.Employee BenefitsFull Time Positions Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. LAMP counselors available for personal support including emotional, substance abuse, marital, and financial issues. Five (5) free visits annually for employees and covered family members.Wellbeing Benefits: Wellness/Health Coaches (5 Free per year), Personal Training (5 Free per year), Pharmacy Technician, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Management, Registered Dietician (5 Free per year), Massages with licensed therapist (small copay)Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation, Training/Seminars, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions, Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes)Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays, Personal Sick Leave, Family Sick Leave, Sick Leave Bank (Donated Hours), Professional Medical Appointment Leave, Bereavement Leave, Military Leave, Military Training Leave, FMLAVacation Award: Applies to employees regularly scheduled to work 8 hours per day/40 hours per week. Years of Service Vacation Days 0-5 16.25 days 6-10 19.50 days 11+ 22.75 days Eligible employees may earn an additional 2 days of vacation through participation in the Manatee Thrives programInsurance: Award-winning Health Plan with deductibles as low as $0. Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Prescription Insurance, Life Insurance (6 times salary at low cost), Long-term and Short-term Disability InsuranceRetirement: Florida Retirement System (FRS) with Pension Plan and Investment Plan options. 457b Tax Deferred and ROTH account options through Voya. FRS Webinars. Free financial guidance with licensed, non-commissioned financial plannerCareer Wellness: Professional Leadership Programs, Instructor-Led and eLearning Training, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Career Counseling, Toastmasters, Networking Membership (Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance), Employee Recognition Programs with monetary and time-off awardsEducation Benefits: Continuing Education support through Training/Seminars and Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladder. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Flexible Spending Account: Options for Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Accounts providing pre-tax savings.Permanent Part Time - Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP): ComPsych – offers all employees and their family members with emotional, financial, legal, and work/life balance support. Miscellaneous Benefits: Workers' Compensation, Training/Seminars, FRS options, Premium Pay Differentials/Career Ladders, Government employee discounts at many retailers and attractions, Access to Manatee County Library Services (books, digital services, tools, museum passes)Paid Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Three (3) Personal Holidays Paid Time Off and Leaves of Absence are based on an 8 hrs./day 80/hrs. per pay-period basis, any work schedule less that this will be earned on a pro-rated basis