Master Gardener

Purpose

Choose from Home, School or Community Garden Programs. Plan, coordinate, conduct and teach garden project activities in a specific school or on a community basis for youth. Serve as a resource person to youth in the Home Garden Program.

Length of Appointment

Sept. 1 - Aug 31; renewable upon agreement of volunteer and 4-H Agent.

Responsibilities

Home Garden Program

  • Maintain weekly contact with 4-H home gardeners during the growing season.
  • Make home garden visits to help youth on an individual basis.
  • Assist members with exhibits, demonstrations and the completion of their project record book.
  • Attend Master Gardener training.

School Gardens

  • Coordinate the garden program for assigned school(s).
  • Give classroom instruction to 4-H classroom members.
  • Supervise and teach the planting, care and harvest of the school garden, involving students with hands on participation.
  • Serve as liaison between the school and the 4-H Office.
  • Attend Master Gardener training.

Community Gardening

  • Coordinate the program for the assigned community.
  • Assist members with the planning, carrying out and evaluation of their project.
  • Supervise and teach the planting, care and harvest of the school garden, involving students with hands on participation.
  • Attend Master Gardener training.

All Programs

  • Attend county project leader training programs, a minimum of one per year.
  • Be sensitive to risks and use risk management strategies related to project work.
  • Become familiar with member and leader project books.
  • Maintain sensitivity to the individual differences of 4-H members such as differences in interests, abilities, personal needs, cultural heritage and family support.
  • Submit required records in a timely manner. Follow 4-H policies and procedures.

Qualifications

  • Completion of the Master Gardener training and willing to share your knowledge 4-H members.
  • Ability to plan and conduct a project activity using resources of the Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Florida.
  • Ability to communicate with youth. Understanding of the developmental characteristics of youth.
  • Willing to maintain contact with parents to enable them to support their children in project work.
  • Belief in the importance of youth development and the need to provide young people with out of school learning opportunities. A belief in the value of the 4-H Program.

Resources & Support Available

  • Orientation, training and support from County 4-H Staff.
  • Member and leader project literature.
  • 4-H supplies from the National 4-H Supply Service.
  • Opportunity to attend the Florida 4-H Adult Leader Forum.

Time Required

2 - 4 hours per week during gardening season

Success Criteria

Will provide at least 6 hours of educational programming for each group worked with.

Supervisor

County 4-H Extension Agent or his/her representative

Benefits

  • Expenses incurred and miles driven are tax deductible.
  • Liability and workman’s compensation insurance provided by the University of Florida.
  • Recognition from others in your community. Helping in the positive development of the youth of the county.
  • The Florida Master Gardener training program.