http://delaware.osu.edu/
County Extension Educator
Delaware County, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Delaware, OH / Area 13
R140821
Post: November 25, 2025
Deadline: December 16, 2025
Screening Interview: TBD
County Interview: TBD
Salary: $42,100 to $72,700
This posting is for an Extension Educator (1, 2, or 3); salary and Educator level for final candidate will be determined by years of experience and education level:
Extension Educator 1
Requires a bachelor’s Degree
Salary Range: $42,100 – $55,000
Extension Educator 2
Requires a master’s Degree
Salary Range: $47,700 – $62,300
Extension Educator 3
Requires a master’s Degree and 11+ years of direct or related work experience
Salary Range: $55,700 – $72,700
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is located in Delaware County, Ohio.
The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) seeks an Educator to work collaboratively with county, region and state teams of OSUE professionals and with local agency leaders and volunteers. The Educator will be responsible for a broad range of basic to complex duties that could include but are not limited to providing guidance and/or leadership for programming targeted to local and regional needs. This programming would include a focus on residential and commercial horticulture, and direct leadership of the Delaware Master Gardener Volunteer Program. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that promote science-based horticultural practices for homeowners, landscape professionals, and commercial growers. The educator will provide expertise in areas such as plant selection, pest and disease management, turf grass care, and horticulture production management. A central component of the role includes coordinating the county’s Master Gardener Volunteer Program—recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers who extend horticultural education through community outreach, demonstration gardens, and public events. The educator will collaborate with local organizations, schools, municipalities, and industry partners to address community needs and expand program impact. This position contributes to the mission of OSU Extension by translating university research into practical applications that improve lives and strengthen communities.
- Provide leadership to programs focused on residential and commercial horticulture, including topics such as sustainable landscaping, plant health, turfgrass management, integrated pest management, and urban agriculture. Developing horticulture initiatives in areas such as home and community gardening, plant health, integrated pest management, soil science, and local food systems. This role supports OSU Extension’s six Impact Areas: Health and Wellness; Job Skills and Careers; Thriving Across the Lifespan; Sustainable Food Systems; Engaged Ohioans, Vibrant Communities; and Environmental Quality. Key duties include collaborating with agencies to deliver education for homeowners, gardeners, commercial growers, and communities; assessing needs and using data to guide programs and measure impact; engaging advisory committees; and using diverse teaching methods such as online learning, media, newsletters, demonstrations, and capacity-building strategies. Work to ensure equal access to programs and facilities for all individuals.
- Provide leadership for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program in Delaware County, overseeing all aspects of volunteer engagement and program delivery. This includes recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers to extend OSU Extension’s horticulture education. Develop and implement the training curriculum, ensuring it reflects current research-based practices in plant health, pest management, and horticulture management. Manage volunteer records and ensure compliance with OSU Extension policies. In addition, the Educator supports volunteers in planning and executing impactful projects such as demonstration gardens, diagnostic clinics, school gardening initiatives, and public outreach events. Ongoing responsibilities include providing advanced training opportunities and building partnerships with local organizations to expand program reach. Collects and analyzes data to measure program outcomes, prepare reports, and share success stories with stakeholders, ensuring the Master Gardener Volunteer Program remains a dynamic, inclusive, and effective resource for the community.
- Conduct applied research to expand knowledge and create educational publications, delivering recommendations based on the latest research in horticulture and plant sciences. Design programs for diverse audiences in Delaware County, including homeowners, commercial producers, urban gardeners, youth, seniors, and families. Responsibilities include seeking grants and contracts to support horticulture programs and interdisciplinary efforts, as well as using cost-recovery strategies to sustain targeted educational programs.
- Interact as an effective team player. W collaboratively with all members of the county team and all program areas (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development) where interdisciplinary efforts are needed to meet broad issues or carry out major programming efforts. Represent OSU Extension’s brand and mission to external audiences. Serve as a spokesperson advocating for Ohio State University Extension.
QUALIFICATIONS: An earned Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the time of hire is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in Agriculture or other educationally related area (examples are: natural resources, animal sciences, environmental sciences, or horticulture).
Candidates should possess strong communication and teaching skills, experience in volunteer management, and a background in horticulture, plant science, or a related field. Must be able to utilize a variety of teaching methods to deliver program content to diverse groups of learners. Knowledge and/or the ability to learn concepts, processes, ideas, and methods of Horticulture and Agriculture and Natural Resources. Experience effectively assessing, replicating and teaching research-based educational programs to diverse audiences. Experience in building and maintaining relationships with various groups of individuals, including peers, support staff, volunteers, and local committees, in a effort to achieve common programing goals.
Written and oral communication skills; facilitation skills; teaching skills; computer skills for communication and educational programming; community engagement skills; team player; ability to work with minimum supervision; willingness to work flexible and extended hours. Grant writing experience; program development, evaluation and teaching experience; program management experience; demonstrated adaptability and flexibility.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen, physical, or psychological screening may be required during the post offer process
