Environmental Horticulture Program Assistant

UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Extension

West Palm Beach, Florida

Assists a professional Extension Agent in conducting educational programs in Environmental Horticulture. Responsible for preparing educational program materials/presentations; develops training materials under the supervision of the Extension Agent. Assists with various horticulture educational events, activities; reports the outcomes/impacts. Greets visitors, works switchboard, screens and refers callers, arranges appointments, and coordinates meetings. Assists in registering clientele for classes; enters data to track program participants. Maintains files and records of the agency's operations. Assists with plant identification, diagnoses of plant disease/insect problems; responds to clientele inquiries (walk-ins, phone calls, emails). Collects data/information to use in developing educational programs, program newsletters, news releases, and radio/TV presentations. Performs site inspections, sampling, and handling of samples to help diagnose horticulture issues. Teaches topics related to landscape maintenance, pesticide use/safety, nursery operations, arboriculture, and environmental issues. Assists Extension staff as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or an equivalent recognized certification; minimum of one (1) year of experience in planning, conducting, or assisting with educational activities for youths/adults. Equivalency: Two (2) years of college-level coursework (must specify 60-semester/90-quarter hours) in Education, Natural/Biological Science/related, or Communications.

PREFERENCE FOR EXPERIENCE IN/WITH: Working with adult volunteers and/or diverse audiences (must specify on application); using Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint (must specify on application); using virtual communication platforms (Zoom, MS Teams, Webex); using social media applications (e.g., Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube) (must specify on application). Also desirable: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (must specify on application); knowledge of horticulture and related sciences, including plant identification, pest management, plant diseases, plant physiology, plant propagation, urban environments, and soil management (must specify on application).