Horticulturist (Part-Time) in TRENTON, New Jersey at COUNTY OF MERCER

HORTICULTURIST (PART - TIME)

DEPARTMENT: Planning

SALARY: $41.12 / hour

LOCATION:Trenton, NJ

SCHEDULE: Part-Time (28 hours per week)

REPORTSTO: Planning Director

POSITIONOVERVIEW:

The County of Mercer is seeking a skilled and organized Part-TimeCounty Horticulturist (28 hours/week) to join the Mercer County PlanningDepartment. Stationed at the Extension Office in Ewing, NJ, this positionserves as a technical subject-matter expert for internal county operations,manages county-specific resources, and serves as the primary operational leadfor county-hosted Rutgers Master Gardener of Mercer County events. The CountyHorticulturist works in close partnership with the Rutgers CooperativeExtension (RCE) Program Associate (Coordinator), volunteer leadership, andinternal county departments (e.g., Parks, Roads) to promote environmentalstewardship and horticulture education across Mercer County.

ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Major Event Leadership & Execution (20%): Serveas the primary lead for planning, managing, and executing County-hosted majorMaster Gardener of Mercer County events (e.g., Annual Plant Expo, Insect Fest,Symposium, Evening in the Garden). Manage event-specific budgets, vendorcontracts, logistics, venue coordination, equipment, and requiredmunicipal/county permits. Assist in coordinating volunteer logistics for countyevents and facilities.
• Volunteer Logistics & Compliance (30%): Coordinatethe volunteer steering committee and individual committees. Oversee committeeactivities, logistics, and monthly general meetings. Ensure all volunteeractivities and public programs strictly adhere to Mercer County administrativepolicies and risk management guidelines.
• Program Collaboration (20%): Work collaborativelywith the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate (Coordinator) and thevolunteer steering committee on volunteer management and the facilitation ofpublic education through activities, demonstrations, workshops, andevents. Assist with creating the annualMaster Gardener event calendar.
• Financial Governance & Trust Management (20%): Approvespending requests from RMG committees. Oversee and manage County-held MasterGardener Program Trust Fund in coordination with the County Chief FinancialOfficer and Planning Director. Review and process program purchase requestsaccording to County procurement rules.
• County Departmental Technical Support (10%): Plan,program, and respond to internal horticulture, landscape, and land-managementneeds across Mercer County departments (Mercer County Park Commission, Roads,Planning Department) and outside public agencies.

EDUCATIONAND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Requires a bachelor's degree from anaccredited institution in an agricultural science such as plant science,horticulture, ornamental horticulture, entomology, plant pathology or relatedfield, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of professionalexperience in horticulture, plant science, or a closely related field. Note:A Master's degree in horticulture, agricultural science, or a related field maysubstitute for one (1) year of the required professional experience.

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license required.
• NJDEP Commercial Pesticide Applicators License (Categories1A/3A or 10 preferred or obtainable within one year).
• Mercer County residency required within one (1) year ofappointment per county policy.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., walk over rough ground, and workoutdoors during event setup/breakdown. Ability to carry demonstration supplies,presentation equipment and class materials.
• Must be able to work a flexible part-time schedule of 28hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed duringmajor event seasons.

KNOWLEDGE,SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex public events,manage vendor contracts, and oversee event budgets.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of educationalprogram development and operation, volunteer management, working with diverseaudiences, collaboration/coalition building, and promotion/outreach.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, conflict resolution,and communication skills.
• Knowledge of New Jersey native flora, sustainablelandscaping practices, and municipal operations preferred.
• Experience with volunteer training and management ispreferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communicationand organization skills.
• Effective public speaking, presentation, demonstration andcomputer skills.

Mercer County EEO/ Civil Service Statement & Residency Requirements:

Mercer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

As a Civil Service employer under the State of New Jersey, all candidates must comply with New Jersey Civil Service Commission regulations and guidelines. Mercer County residency is required. Non-residents must establish residency within one (1) year of employment.

Mercer County is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, specifically in accordance with the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.