Consumer Horticulture Extension Program Assistant/Associate

Position Overview

Essential Job Duties

The Program Assistant supports New Hanover County Cooperative Extension’s Consumer Horticulture program, which includes the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, the Extension Plant Clinic, and Nature at Home. This position coordinates the administrative and operational work that keeps these Consumer Horticulture programs running smoothly through scheduling, volunteer communications, recordkeeping, application and payment processing, and monthly impact reporting in the Extension Reporting System. 

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:
 

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

The City of Wilmington is the county seat and is rich in historical significance and home to many recreational and cultural sites and events. Important contributors to the local economy include the state port, tourism, filmmaking, manufacturing, and financial technology.

More information about New Hanover County Extension Center, visit their website:
https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu

Duties and Responsibilities
The Program Assistant supports New Hanover County Cooperative Extension’s Consumer Horticulture program, which includes the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, the Extension Plant Clinic, and Nature at Home. This position coordinates the administrative and operational work that keeps these Consumer Horticulture programs running smoothly through scheduling, volunteer communications, recordkeeping, application and payment processing, and monthly impact reporting in the Extension Reporting System. A key part of the role is building and maintaining positive working relationships with volunteers, providing clear guidance, timely follow-up, and responsive support that helps volunteers feel welcomed, informed, and successful. The Program Assistant works closely with the Consumer Horticulture Agent to ensure timely, accurate information is shared with volunteers and the public, and that reporting, compliance, and documentation are maintained consistently.

● Provide administrative and program coordination support for New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture programming, including the Extension Master Gardener volunteer program, the Extension Plant Clinic, Nature at Home certification, and Arboretum tours.

● Track and support the annual recertification process for Extension Master Gardener volunteers by monitoring completion of required volunteer service hours, continuing education hours, and monthly reporting. Communicate with volunteers to meet requirements.

● Maintain accurate Extension Master Gardener contact information and volunteer status records and update records as needed.

● Maintain Extension Master Gardener Intranet content, including volunteer opportunities, education opportunities, announcements, calendars, and reporting reminders; monitor reporting compliance and completeness.

● Draft the weekly email update to Extension Master Gardener volunteers that includes program announcements, volunteer opportunities with sign-up links, and continuing education opportunities.

● Coordinate and administer an annual Extension Master Gardener survey, including distribution, collection, organization of responses, and basic summary support for the Consumer Horticulture Agent.

● Support Extension Master Gardener recognition activities, including service milestones, awards, and event-related recognition materials as assigned.

● Coordinate Plant Clinic volunteer staffing to meet coverage needs for scheduled shifts.

● Support maintenance of Plant Clinic reference materials and resources (for example: binders, fact sheets, and integrated pest management references) and order new supplies as needed.

● Complete monthly data entry for program impact logs as assigned (for example: soil, seed, and backpack logs).

● Process Nature at Home applications and payments by receiving submissions, reviewing for completeness, coordinating approvals, and tracking application status through completion.

● Coordinate and schedule Nature at Home site visits by communicating with applicants and volunteer evaluators and confirming logistics.

● Coordinate and schedule volunteer-led guided tours at the Arboretum, including calendar management, volunteer communication, and ensuring coverage.

Other Work/Responsibilities

● Compile monthly attendance, contact totals, and required demographic data from sign-in sheets and program records; enter data into the Extension Reporting System and maintain supporting documentation.

● Provide customer service support for program requests and inquiries, including routing questions, coordinating schedules, and communicating program information to the public and volunteers.

● Assist with logistics and communications for events and program activities as assigned, including the Extension Master Gardener course, Extension Master Gardener graduation, off-site Plant Clinics, and annual flagship events (TreeFest, Plant Sale, Cape Fear Native Plant Festival, etc.).

● Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling volunteer records, participant information, and internal program documents, and follow applicable North Carolina Cooperative Extension policies and program guidelines.

Supervisory

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises   0

Percent of Time Spent  0

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key    Not Applicable

Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5pm with evenings and weekends as needed.

Minimum Experience/Education

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

Department Required Skills  NA

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Preferred Qualities/Skills
● Engaging, relationship-focused interpersonal skills; enjoys working with volunteers and providing responsive customer service.

● Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines, schedules, and multiple priorities.

● Strong written communication skills for clear, friendly volunteer updates, instructions, and public-facing messages.

● Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets); comfortable with email, spreadsheets, basic database entry, webinars, and social media tools.

● General knowledge of horticulture and interest in public education and volunteer-driven programming.

 

Preferred (not required)
● Extension Master Gardener Certification or similar horticulture training.

● Experience with volunteer coordination/management.

● Website management experience.

● Coursework or training in science or a related field beyond high school.

Required License or Certification:  NA

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Physical Required? No

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range:  $32,562 commensurate with experience.

Internal Transfer Only: No

Recruitment Dates   Job Open Date  01/16/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/226298

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.