Garden Education Volunteer Program Coordinator, Ramsey County

About the Job

Working Title: Garden Education Volunteer Program Coordinator, Ramsey County

Classification: Extension Program Associate 3 (job code 8313OA), Civil Service

Appointment: Full-time, 100% FTE (40 hours/week) On-site and in-office position

Office location: Ramsey County Extension Office, 2020 White Bear Avenue N, St. Paul, MN 55109

Pay Range: $26 - $32/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Extension Area: Department Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

Apply By: November 17, 2026

About the Job

The program coordinator is responsible for the general oversight of the University of Minnesota's Extension Ramsey County Garden Education Volunteer Program, which promotes best horticulture practices to Minnesota residents. The coordinator engages and manages volunteers and communicates the public value of volunteer projects to regional directors. The program coordinator reports to the Program Leader/State Coordinator.

The primary role of this position is to sustain and support over 400 volunteers in Ramsey County. The coordinator is accountable for the success of projects and community education programs, ensuring initiatives align with University of Minnesota Extension policies and procedures while meeting goals set in collaboration with volunteers. Key responsibilities include recruiting and retaining volunteers, managing budgets and financial processes, promoting and recognizing volunteer leadership, and developing meaningful volunteer opportunities that positively impact the community.

Location and Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-person position based at the Ramsey County Extension office in St. Paul, MN, with limited or occasional hybrid flexibility. The role requires attending and coordinating events during evenings and weekends, at times including outdoor events held in various weather conditions.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) based in Ramsey County. The coordinator is expected to work Monday through Friday, with the understanding that weekly/bi-weekly evening and somewhat frequent weekend hours will be required. The schedule will be determined by the supervisor and may fluctuate and be flexed based on program needs.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Management (40%)

• Cultivate and maintain collaborations with community organizations and stakeholders; leverage resources to educate residents about using research-based horticulture.
• Recruit, train, and orient volunteers to meet program and county expectations. Develop recruitment goals with volunteers and review them with the state program coordinator.
• Continually increase the level of volunteer community engagement and impact. Develop yearly goals with volunteers and review with the state coordinator/program leader.
• Report on state/county activity; participate in volunteer and leadership meetings.
• Coordinate and implement new initiatives in alignment with the county and state programs' strategic plan.
• Meet regularly with volunteer leadership to gather additional perspectives and recommendations that inform and guide programmatic decision-making and strategic direction.
• Lead the volunteer groups in setting annual goals to align with statewide program priorities and county objectives.
• Document and report the program's public value to stakeholders through presentations, written reports, video, and social media. Share success stories and program highlights with the state program via annual reports and related materials.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to stakeholder requests, inquiries, and concerns; provide clear and prompt communications; utilize program resources and Extension connections to respond to requests.
• Manage program data and evaluation systems using technology to monitor trends, compile annual reports, and demonstrate program impact. Ensure the availability and accuracy of the local program data.
• Create and update volunteer programs and educational initiatives to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Identify gaps and take proactive steps to correct or improve program initiatives, communications, and related materials to meet organizational and community needs.
• Work collaboratively with the group's treasurer; follow and ensure financial management systems are aligned with University of Minnesota policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Volunteer Management (40%)

• Serve as the first point of contact for the program and for access to Ramsey County's 400+ volunteers.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to volunteer inquiries and concerns and provide clear communication to address their questions and requests; utilize program resources and Extension connections to respond to requests.
• Manage the recruiting, confirmation, and orientation processes, as well as the ongoing support of new volunteers.
• Collaborate with new and experienced volunteers on leadership succession planning. Identify, coach, and encourage those with leadership potential to take on leadership roles.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among volunteers in coordination with the state program.
• Review, implement, and ensure compliance with program policies and guidelines established by the University of Minnesota and the Extension volunteer program (e.g., Safety of Minors Policy).
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, volunteers, audiences, and partners.

Finance Management (15%)

• Oversee local Master Gardener program finances, including monitoring and managing University income/expense accounts and Foundation donation accounts.
• Review monthly financial reports to ensure accuracy, compliance, and budget health.
• Manage purchasing activities using University systems (e.g., UMarket, PCards, and Smartsheet) in accordance with institutional policies.
• Provide thorough justifications and supporting documentation for all income deposits and program expenses.
• Handle contracts and agreements for facilities, educational programs, and speakers.
• Coordinate and process volunteer expense reimbursements within the required 45-day deadline.
• Ensure strict compliance with University policies regarding sales tax exemptions, speaker payments, honoraria, gift guidelines, and fundraising activities.

State Leadership Team Partnership (5%)

• Partner with the State Leadership Team to promote the mission of the program to volunteers.
• Promote and reinforce the use of University of Minnesota Extension educational offerings among volunteers (e.g., Flowers for Pollinators, Climate-Ready Gardening, Invasive Species, Apple Module, Let's Talk Plants, and other train-the-trainer learning packages, Hot Topics).
• Support and implement statewide program goals, objectives, and initiatives at the county level in an effective and positive way.
• Report on program activity and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with coordinators and the program leader.
• Provide constructive input to the State Leadership Team for the development of future program strategies and policies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) with at least four (4) years of experience in volunteer management, team leadership/management, project management, or a closely related field; OR a combination of education and experience totaling at least eight (8) years in volunteer management, team leadership/management, project management, or a closely related field, which includes a minimum of one (1) year of experience coordinating, managing, or supporting volunteers as an employee or volunteer (e.g., in non-profits or schools).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to successfully convey information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from varied cultural and organizational backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and empowering teams or volunteers, including conflict resolution, educating on organizational policies and financial processes, and fostering a productive, inclusive work environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, financial processes, and compliance with organizational financial policies and procedures.
• Strong financial systems knowledge and experience; finance entry, tracking and meeting compliance expectations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to coordinate resources, events, projects, and team efforts across multiple priorities, as well as the ability to manage and prioritize work, events, requests and overall needs of the program.
• Strong customer service skills; ability to monitor and respond to a high volume of requests and inquiries in a timely manner.
• Strong skills in office applications such as Microsoft and Google Workspace including data entry, email communications, and related tasks.

Additional Requirements

• Must have a valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle with required liability insurance to transport themselves and supplies and possibly other people to multiple locations for work, at times in a single workday.

• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some required evening and weekend hours

• Ability to work regularly at the assigned Extension office in Ramsey County

• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employees own expense.

• Must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds and push/pull 50 pounds occasionally.

• Must be able to occasionally work in outdoor conditions including various temperature and weather conditions.

• Must be able to sit/stand and work on a computer for long periods of time; up to 8 hours a day.

• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience as volunteer coordinator

• Knowledge of and interest in horticulture

About the Department

About The Garden Education Volunteer Program

The Extension Ramsey County volunteer program is the local arm of an internationally-recognized volunteer program. The University of Minnesota Extension volunteer program shares research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivates diverse collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspires change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. Extension activities focus on seven program priorities including horticulture skills, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, nearby nature, clean water, climate responsiveness, and local food.

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. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26 - $32/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.