Extension Educator, Horticulture

Working Title: Extension Educator, Horticulture

Appointment: Full-time, P&A, Assistant Extension Professor (9624FH)

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Pay Range: $68,000 - $78,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Office Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, MN

Apply By: January 5, 2026

About the Position

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Extension Horticulture Educator. In this role, the educator will be responsible for promotion of best practices within managed horticultural landscape systems through multiple perspectives. Examples of these perspectives can include ecosystem support, climate adaptation and mitigation, clean water (watershed impact), resilient native and non-native plants, and sustainable landscape design. Key topic areas might include ornamental and edible herbaceous plants, plant selection, sustainable landscape implementation and maintenance, soil health, climate resiliency, etc. This educator will collaborate with a variety of audiences such as property owners and managers, community organizations, urban stakeholders, nursery and landscape industries, others at the University of Minnesota and new and/or historically underserved groups. The educator will participate in annual performance reviews and more frequent team and individual check-in conversations. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process and these criteria.

This Extension Horticulture Educator will work closely with the Extension Horticulture team, the Extension Master Gardener team, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and other stakeholders to develop and deliver educational programs. The position will require working with a range of public, private, and non-profit stakeholders who can both inform Extension education programming and amplify messaging in local networks across the state. These stakeholders include diverse property owners and managers including: home-scale landscapes, community landscapes (community parks, shared spaces, etc.), property associations, urban stakeholders, and others identified through audience analysis processes.

This Extension Horticulture Educator will develop, implement, and evaluate online and in-person educational programs to educate intended audiences. Education formats and forums will include: in-person experiences, distance learning, Extension web pages, print materials, interpretive signage, social media, and emerging education technologies.

This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Horticulture for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. The office location for this position is at the Myers Education Center at the Arboretum in Chaska, MN. The educator will participate in annual performance reviews and more frequent team and individual check-in conversations. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process and these criteria.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Development (60%)

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate high-quality, research and best practice based educational programs to advance managed horticultural landscape systems.
• Identify educational needs and audiences.
• Lead curriculum development and serve as a subject matter expert for other Extension educators and specialists in the area of managed horticultural landscape systems.
• Plan and implement education formats and forums.
• Partner with the department's evaluation specialist to design and implement program evaluation and distribute results in collaboration with the communication team.
• Evaluate the impact of this work and make needed changes in the future.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Partnerships and Collaborations (30%)

• Develop and maintain effective stakeholder collaborations that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs. Examples include the Extension Master Gardener program, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and diverse and historically underserved audiences.
• Participate in UMN Extension, professional, and community service opportunities.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Participate in team meetings, on committees, and professional development opportunities.
• Actively participate in cross departmental horticulture education efforts with the Extension Master Gardener team and the Arboretum education and horticulture teams to maximize audience reach and public value.

Scholarship (10%)

• Help secure external funding through grants, strategic alliances, private philanthropy and donations to support the growth of programs that address managed horticultural landscape systems.
• Share findings through Extension education programming including blogs, websites, social media posts, podcasts, conferences and professional and industry meetings.
• Develop a portfolio of scholarly activities to meet the needs of a variety of horticulture audiences.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in horticulture, plant science, agricultural education, or in a related field to managed horticultural landscape systems.
• Two or more years of successful experience communicating educational messages in horticulture, plant science, agricultural education, or in a field related to managed horticultural landscape systems and content in a variety of forums and formats.
• Expertise in one or more horticulture/managed landscape content areas such as ecosystem support, climate adaptation and mitigation, clean water (watershed impact), resilient native and non-native plants, and sustainable landscape design.
• A proven ability to develop and sustain working relationships with audience stakeholder groups such as the gardening public, homeowners' associations, industry professional organizations, nonprofit organizations, Master Gardener volunteers and other relevant groups including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.
• Excellent English (written and verbal) communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, as a part of a team, and with changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) or more years of professional work experience relevant to managed horticultural landscape systems.
• Documented success in education program development and/or research based on best practices in horticulture or a related field.
• Experience as a collaborator or lead on a grant.
• Experience working successfully with diverse populations and communities.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Ability to travel within Minnesota and provide in-person programming. Occasional overnight travel across Minnesota will be required an average of 6-10 times per year. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting and standing, bending, twisting, and lifting and carrying 10 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force. Work is conducted indoors and outdoors, in all types of Minnesota weather conditions and environments.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $78,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.