Agent, Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist

Campus / College Information :

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.

C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled.

Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary / Purpose of Position : University of Maryland Extension seeks a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to conduct applied research, develop educational programs, and engage in community outreach initiatives aimed at teaching and promoting the ecological benefits and use of native plant species in diverse landscapes.

The Specialist will also be part of the leadership team responsible for implementing the Maryland Native Plants Program (along with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks : Minimum Qualifications : Education :

A Master’s degree or equivalent in Ecology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Botany, Urban Forestry, or a related field.

Experience :

• Demonstrated expertise in the ecology and use and management of Maryland or mid-Atlantic native plants in diverse landscapes.
• Background in applied research and Extension.
• Experience in designing and implementing educational programs and workshops for diverse audiences, including homeowners, agencies, NGOs, and community groups with particular emphasis on traditionally underserved and BIPOC stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, stakeholders, and government agencies to address complex environmental challenges related to native plants.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to publish scholarly articles, deliver presentations at professional conferences, and engage with the media to communicate scientific findings and native plant messages effectively.
• A track record of securing external funding through competitive grants or other funding sources to support research and extension activities is highly desirable.

Preferences : Preferences :

• A Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Botany, Urban Forestry, or a related field with a focus on Maryland or mid-Atlantic native plants and landscapes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop outreach programming that assists stakeholders in making research-based decisions.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed journal articles and Extension publications.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and obtaining extramural funding.
• Demonstrated skills to effectively use electronic and social media to communicate technical information.
• Experience working with graduate students is desirable.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.

Additional Certifications : Additional Information : Position Responsibilities :

• Assist UME in fulfilling educational and professional training responsibilities related to the Maryland Native Plants Program (MNPP).
• Provide input and expertise to MDA in the development and maintenance of the procedures and content of the MNPP Commercial Maryland Native Plant List and provide input and expertise to MDA on the development and maintenance of the procedures and content of the MNPP List of Certified Maryland Native Plant Growers and Retailers.
• Develop and implement innovative Extension, applied research, and outreach programs to educate homeowners, commercial and consumer horticulture interests, and the public on the importance, benefits, and availability of native plants.
• Train UME Master Gardeners and field faculty and serve as faculty lead for the native plants sub-program of the UME Master Gardener Program
• Conduct needs assessments to identify research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences that involve scientific results and solutions as well as local ecological knowledge.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners and stakeholders to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs that engages participants in a learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
• Interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences including, but not limited to, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions.
• Use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to build program capacity.

The Extension Specialist represents UME and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). The position ensures that educational programming aligns with UME’s strategic plan and plan of work, especially as they relate to the implementation of federal initiatives.

The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the defined timeframe.

Perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. This tenure-track position requires documented accomplishments in research, teaching, and service.

The individual reports to the Assistant Director, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant Programs, in carrying out these duties.

Salary and Benefits : Salary will be commensurate with experience : Master’s Base : $62,255; Ph.D. Base : $74,354. The University of Maryland offers an extensive which includes tuition remission.

Applications : All candidates must apply online at A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.