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Master Gardener Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FACCES

Master Gardener Part Time

Columbus, OH

Clean and organize the greenhouse and garden areas * Report and maintain the pH balance of the hydroponic systems * Maintain and grow seeds in the hydroponic tank * Manage the growth of crops on the ...

Saint Francis Ministries

Master Gardner

Salina, KS · On-site

The Master Gardener provides basic care for the greenhouse, and basic landscaping around the Salina West Campus. * Ensures that basic care for the greenhouse and maintains a safe environment in the ...

Umd

... Master Gardener food gardening programs: Grow It Eat It and Seed to Supper. Support UME's Ask Extension team. - Provide leadership for the HGIC program including program coordination and fiscal and ...

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How much do master gardener jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for master gardener in the United States is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to Become a Master Gardener

To become a master gardener, you must participate in and pass a Master Gardener program at a university or university extension. Extension master gardener programs are available in most states and involve certification via an exam after you complete the required courses. Each state and county has specific requirements for training, volunteer service, and community involvement for its master gardeners. Upon graduation, you commit to using your horticulture skills in accordance with the program’s guidelines. Most program qualifications specify an ongoing volunteer commitment in the community to retain standing as a master gardener. Continuing education is also a common requirement for prolonging your certification.

What is the difference between Master Gardener vs Horticulturist?

AspectMaster GardenerHorticulturist
Required CredentialsVolunteer training, certification from extension servicesFormal education (bachelor's or higher in horticulture or related field)
Work EnvironmentCommunity gardens, educational programs, public outreachResearch labs, nurseries, botanical gardens, landscape companies
Employer & Industry UsageExtension services, non-profits, community organizationsResearch institutions, commercial horticulture, government agencies

The main difference is that Master Gardeners typically have volunteer-based training focused on community education and outreach, while Horticulturists usually hold formal degrees and work in research, development, or commercial horticulture settings. Both roles involve plant knowledge, but their work environments and credentials differ significantly.

What can you do with a Master Gardener certification?

A Master Gardener certification qualifies individuals to provide horticultural advice, educate the public about gardening practices, and support community gardening projects. Certified Master Gardeners often work in educational settings, extension services, or volunteer roles, utilizing their knowledge of plants, soil, and pest management.

Is Master Gardener any good?

A Master Gardener is a volunteer or professional who has completed specialized training in horticulture and gardening practices. The role involves providing education, advice, and support to the public on plant care, pest management, and sustainable gardening. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about plants and environmental stewardship, often requiring certification and ongoing learning.

What are Master Gardeners?

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who provide research-based gardening information to the public. They complete a specialized training program, usually offered through university extension programs, and assist their communities with gardening education, plant diagnostics, and sustainable horticulture practices. Master Gardeners often answer gardening questions, conduct workshops, and support environmental stewardship initiatives. Their role helps promote healthy, successful gardens and landscapes while encouraging responsible use of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Master Gardener, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master Gardener, you need a solid understanding of horticulture, plant biology, and sustainable gardening practices, often backed by completion of an accredited Master Gardener training program. Familiarity with soil testing kits, plant identification apps, and integrated pest management systems is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and community engagement skills help Master Gardeners educate and assist the public effectively. These competencies are essential for promoting successful, sustainable gardening and supporting community environmental initiatives.

What does it mean to be a Master Gardener?

A Master Gardener is a trained volunteer who has completed a certification program in horticulture and gardening techniques. They often provide community education, assist with plant care, and support local gardening projects under the guidance of a university extension service or similar organization.

What are some common challenges Master Gardeners face when working with community gardening projects?

Master Gardeners often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules among volunteers, managing limited resources or funding, and addressing varying levels of gardening experience within the community. Additionally, they may need to adapt to unpredictable weather conditions and pest issues that can impact plant health. Successful Master Gardeners build strong communication and organizational skills to foster teamwork and ensure that educational goals are met while maintaining a positive and inclusive environment.

What are the qualifications to become a Master Gardener?

To become a Master Gardener, candidates typically need to complete a training program offered by a university or extension service, which includes coursework in horticulture, plant science, and pest management. Volunteers often must pass a knowledge exam and commit to a certain number of service hours in community gardening or educational activities.
More about Master Gardener jobs
What cities are hiring for Master Gardener jobs? Cities with the most Master Gardener job openings:
What states have the most Master Gardener jobs? States with the most job openings for Master Gardener jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Master Gardener jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Master Gardener jobs are:
Master Gardener jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Gardener job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 66% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 12% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 5% Physical, and 95% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,544 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Extension Educator/Master Gardener Coordinator

Extension Educator/Master Gardener Coordinator

Penn State University

Centre, AL • On-site

$44K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Extension is seeking an Extension Educator/Master Gardener Coordinator in Centre County to oversee the general function and activities of the volunteer program. The coordinator works under the supervision of the Area Coordinator and State Master Gardener Coordinator.
Specific Duties:
  • Serve as the Penn State Extension Master Gardener program spokesperson for Centre County.
  • Serve as the liaison between the county extension office, the state-level Master Gardener (MG) Program and the volunteers.
  • Engage community members as appropriate to promote Extension, the Master Gardener Program and Penn State.

  • Become familiar with information and resources listed in the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator's Manual. Provide the information to volunteers when applicable.
  • Empower, organize, and lead MG volunteers to educate county residents about horticultural and environmental issues through community outreach projects.
  • Identify opportunities and educational needs of consumers and stakeholders in the county.

  • Oversee Master Gardener volunteer projects.

  • Work to recruit, select, and train new Master Gardener volunteers.

  • Oversee the county volunteer portal used for recording hours and continuing education. Provide volunteer recognition.

  • Be responsible for evaluating and reporting Master Gardener outreach activities and impacts on a quarterly and annual basis.

  • Assure that all volunteers comply with the Master Gardener Policy Statement and Penn State policies.

  • Coordinate both general and committee meetings for volunteers.

  • Organize continuing education opportunities for Master Gardener volunteers.
  • Create a program budget for project income and expenses and fundraise where appropriate using education-based strategies.

  • Use technology, mass media and personal contacts to promote MG public education programs and events.
  • Contribute to select state-level projects aligned with the coordinator's interests and skill set.

This position comes with an outstanding benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement; generous paid leave (holiday, vacation, sick, and parental leave); reduced tuition for employees and their dependents at Penn State campuses; and a family-friendly environment.
Required Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers .

  • Ability to inspire and develop leadership in individuals and committees.

  • Ability to build and maintain community partnerships.

  • Experience in adult or non-formal education.

  • Strong organizational and communications skills (both oral and written).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in horticulture, environmental science, or human sciences.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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