ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

HOPEWEST

Groundskeeper

Grand Junction, CO · On-site

$20.96 - $23.19/hr

Master Gardener certification is required (or ability to obtain within six months). Valid Colorado driver's license and adequate automobile insurance. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * Strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConstruction JobsGeneral Construction JobsHandyman JobsMaster Gardener Jobs

Master Gardener information

See salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do master gardener jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

What is a master gardener?

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a master gardener?

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 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 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 are the requirements to be a master gardener?

To become a master gardener, individuals typically need to complete a training program offered by a university extension or horticultural organization, which covers topics like plant care, pest management, and landscape design. Volunteers often must commit a certain number of hours to community gardening projects and may need to pass a knowledge exam. Certification requirements can vary by region but generally include education, volunteer service, and ongoing learning.

What do you do with a Master Gardener certificate?

A Master Gardener certificate certifies that an individual has completed specialized training in horticulture and gardening practices. It allows them to volunteer in community education, assist with gardening projects, and sometimes qualify for paid positions in landscaping, horticulture, or environmental education. The certification demonstrates expertise and commitment to gardening and plant care.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,544 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Master Gardener Coordinator - Halifax County

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the delivery of research-based horticulture education to the public.

  • Manage and support local Master Gardener volunteers, including recruitment, training, engagement, and retention.

  • Collaborate with the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent and unit staff to coordinate program activities.

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Master Gardener Coordinator - Halifax County

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537366
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: Central District Coop. Extension
Location: Halifax, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The Master Gardener Coordinator provides leadership and coordination for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program in Halifax County. Working collaboratively with the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) agent and unit staff, this position supports the delivery of research-based horticulture education to the public.  The Coordinator is responsible for managing and supporting local Master Gardener volunteers, with a focus on recruitment, training, engagement, and retention.

Required Qualifications

Experience in horticulture, botany, landscaping, or a related field. Master Gardener certification. Experience working with volunteers, including coordination or management. Demonstrated supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related discipline. Experience with ornamental and edible plant systems. Experience in Extension, outreach education, or community-based programming.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Hourly Wage

Salary Information

$18 - $25

Hours per week

20

Review Date

September 1, 2026

Additional Information

This position is a part-time, county-funded position, limited to 20 hours per week. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work. Travel within the service area may be necessary.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Robert Irby at irobert1@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: August 20, 2026
Applications close:

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

What Virginia Tech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Virginia Tech logo

About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Virginia Tech Jobs

Apply