Coordinator, Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) at Umd

Location and Hours: This position is located at the Central Maryland Research & Education Center Headquarters in Clarksville, MD. This is a part-time position 30 hours/week (75% FTE).

Position Summary:

The Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) is a national leader in garden/landscape and pest
management education and problem-solving. Master Gardeners, schools, agencies, non-profits, and residents use HGIC’s information and answers across multiple digital platforms- web pages, social media, blog, enewsletter, and YouTube.

HGIC provides direct answers to residents who submit questions and photos 24/7 via the “Ask Extension” widget found on UME web pages. The Coordinator will work 30 hours per week answering questions submitted by clientele, writing and reviewing content for the website, creating short videos and graphics, and posting to social media. The job location is the Central Maryland Research & Education Center/Clarksville facility.

Responsibilities:

• Use science-based resources to directly answer the garden, lawn, landscape, insect, and plant problem questions of Maryland residents via the online national “Ask Extension” system. This includes making plant and pest problem diagnoses and recommendations, identifying plants and insects, and educating clients about best practices in sustainable horticulture.
• Answer questions accurately, efficiently, and courteously (with support of UME faculty) by searching internal and external web resources and digital files.
• Review and revise existing content and write and review new content for website, blog, and print media, and other platforms.
• Work as part of a team to identify priority topic areas and contribute to MD Day and Giving Day activities. Create educational and promotional videos and graphics and post regularly to Facebook, Instagram, and other appropriate platforms.
• Stay current on subject matter and computer software through professional development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required -

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Degree disciplines preferred in plant sciences, horticulture, botany, environmental sciences, entomology, landscape architecture, or related fields.

• Three (3) years of experience working with garden and landscape plants, identifying plant and pest problems, and understanding the principles and practices of sustainable horticulture and integrated pest management.

Preferred -

• Ability to work independently and to function as part of a team.
• Strong oral, written, and electronic communication skills are essential.
• Strong computer software skills are essential, including Microsoft Office, web search, and the ability to work between platforms.
• Valid driver’s license. Must provide personal transportation for meetings and conferences.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the Criminal History Record Check.
• Must obtain Pesticide Applicator and Certified Professional Horticulturist certifications from the Maryland Department of Agriculture within 18 months of hiring date.
   

Physical Demands of the Position:

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Must have close visual acuity and be able to work on a computer and view a monitor for 4-8 hours per day.
• Must have the ability to walk short distances.
• Must be able to drive and provide personal transportation to events or training venues.

Additional Information: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required Application Materials:

A complete application packet must include the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three (3) references, each with name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

Please note that you may upload multiple documents within the same upload field when submitting your application.

Best Consideration Date: 11/15/2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: Yes