Horticulturist (Part-Time)

DEPARTMENT: Planning

SALARY: $41.12 / hour

LOCATION: Trenton, NJ

SCHEDULE: Part-Time (28 hours per week)

REPORTS TO: Planning Director

POSITION OVERVIEW:

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Major Event Leadership & Execution (20%): Serve as the primary lead for planning, managing, and executing County-hosted major Master Gardener of Mercer County events (e.g., Annual Plant Expo, Insect Fest, Symposium, Evening in the Garden). Manage event-specific budgets, vendor contracts, logistics, venue coordination, equipment, and required municipal/county permits. Assist in coordinating volunteer logistics for county events and facilities.
• Volunteer Logistics & Compliance (30%): Coordinate the volunteer steering committee and individual committees. Oversee committee activities, logistics, and monthly general meetings. Ensure all volunteer activities and public programs strictly adhere to Mercer County administrative policies and risk management guidelines.
• Program Collaboration (20%): Work collaboratively with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program Associate (Coordinator) and the volunteer steering committee on volunteer management and the facilitation of public education through activities, demonstrations, workshops, and events. Assist with creating the annual Master Gardener event calendar.
• Financial Governance & Trust Management (20%): Approve spending requests from RMG committees. Oversee and manage County-held Master Gardener Program Trust Fund in coordination with the County Chief Financial Officer and Planning Director. Review and process program purchase requests according to County procurement rules.
• County Departmental Technical Support (10%): Plan, program, and respond to internal horticulture, landscape, and land-management needs across Mercer County departments (Mercer County Park Commission, Roads, Planning Department) and outside public agencies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

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

LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license required.
• NJDEP Commercial Pesticide Applicators License (Categories 1A/3A or 10 preferred or obtainable within one year).
• Mercer County residency required within one (1) year of appointment per county policy.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., walk over rough ground, and work outdoors 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 28 hours per week, including occasional evenings and weekends as needed during major 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 educational program development and operation, volunteer management, working with diverse audiences, collaboration/coalition building, and promotion/outreach.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of New Jersey native flora, sustainable landscaping practices, and municipal operations preferred.
• Experience with volunteer training and management is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organization skills.
Effective public speaking, presentation, demonstration and computer 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 .