Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Dakota County

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 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....