Location: El Paso County Extension office

Purpose: To extend Texas Cooperative Extension's educational programs in the areas of horticulture, gardening and small scale food production through the use of certified, volunteer Master Gardeners.

Brief Description of the Position: Answer horticultural questions and inquiries by telephone; work at clinics, demonstrations and/or workshops for the general public on gardening, trees, shrubs, lawns, plants, insects and related topics.

Cooperate with and assist the El Paso County Extension staff with preparation and production of specific educational resources, including media materials and home horticulture classes. Keep appropriate records.

Requirements: Available to participate in intensive training program in plant science.

Available to devote a minimum of 50 hours or more of Master Gardener volunteer service during certification and 20 hours annually in the years to follow. In addition, 6 hours of education credits must be completed every year.

Must have knowledge and skills in basic ornamental horticulture, gardening and general related areas (after the classroom portion of the program).

Able to effectively communicate with the public by telephone, personal contact, group contact or through written correspondence.

Responsible to the Extension agent in charge of the El Paso County Master Gardener Program. If someone other than an agent supervises the job, it is stated in the specific job description.

Supervision: Daphne Richards, County Extension Agent–Horticulture, is in charge of the El Paso County Master Gardener Program and provides supervision and support to volunteer Master Gardeners. She will assign, review and assess work; provide in-service training based upon needs of the Master Gardener Program; and provide working space, telephone and other necessary support. She will also provide information on professional improvement opportunities.