State Master Gardener Coordinator

Overview

About The University Of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton.

UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Information:

Posting Number: F2632P

Working Title:

State Master Gardener Coordinator

Department: CAES-Horticulture

About The Unit:
The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Program trains Master Gardeners who assist County Extension Agents in delivering horticultural information and programs across Georgia. The program has trained over 16,000 volunteer educators in 45 years, with over 2,000 active Master Gardeners statewide across 50 counties.

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated

Start Date:

06/01/2026

Job Posting Date: 01/15/2026

Job Closing Date: 03/13/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Location of Vacancy:
Griffin Area

The position will be housed at the University of Georgia Griffin Campus, Griffin, Georgia, located about 30 miles south of Atlanta. The 123-acre campus hosts facilities such as the Center for Food Safety and the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center.

Applicants should submit the following documentation in electronic format: (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, (4) statements of extension, and (5) a list of at least three references with contact information including email address. Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Sheri Dorn, Assistant Professor, Email: sdorn. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 1, 2026.

Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have a Master’s degree or higher in Horticulture, Agriculture, or closely related field.

The Department of Horticulture ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia is seeking applicants for a State Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Coordinator. The position is a full-time, public service track faculty position, with a 100% Extension appointment. This position will report directly to the Horticulture Department Head.

• Provide statewide leadership to the MGEV Program
• Serve as a resource to Extension personnel at the county, district, and state levels
• Coordinate and expand training opportunities and methods for MGEVs and county personnel, including use of asynchronous platforms, covering relevant horticultural and volunteer management topics
• Update MGEV program materials, policies, and administrative manuals
• Manage the MGEV program budget, including fundraising and grant procurement
• Maintain the statewide MGEV recordkeeping system, MGLOG
• Teach Master Gardener classes, as needed
• Promote the Georgia MGEV program through statewide channels, including use of college websites and social media
• Serve as liaison to Georgia Master Gardener Association (GMGA)
• Contribute to Extension programming and resources related to the candidate’s expertise
• Develop strategic collaborations with Horticulture faculty, other public service units, and external organizations to support and expand the MGEV program
• Supervise a Program Assistant
• Travel statewide, regionally, and nationally, including attendance at state and national Extension Master Gardener conferences

Prior service in volunteer management and working with groups is required.

Preference for service with Cooperative Extension.