Extension Program Assistant/Associate-Volunteer Coordinator

This position supports New Hanover County Cooperative Extension programs and the New Hanover County Arboretum, focusing on volunteer recruitment, coordination, and recognition across multiple program areas, and overseeing the coordination of public and private grounds events and large-scale Extension events.

NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. While employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. The City of Wilmington is the county seat and is rich in historical significance and home to many recreational and cultural sites and events. Important contributors to the local economy include the state port, tourism, filmmaking, manufacturing, and financial technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Volunteer Coordination & Recruitment: Provide recruitment, training, and coordination for volunteers across Extension programs and events, Arboretum grounds volunteers, gift shop volunteers, tours, and others.
• Grounds & Event Scheduling: Schedule and coordinate events on the Arboretum grounds, serving as the primary point of contact for elopements, after-hours professional photography sessions, and Saturday Cooperative Extension or partner events.
• Event Coordination: Manage volunteer staffing, shift coverage, logistics, and on-site support for annual community events, including the Extension Master Gardener Plant Sale, Art in the Arboretum, TreeFest, and the Cape Fear Native Plant Festival.
• Weekend Operations: Serve as the primary on-site staff person on Saturdays, ensuring a welcoming environment, providing customer service to visitors, and managing volunteer shifts for the gift shop and public event staff coverage.
• Volunteer Recognition: Design, coordinate, and execute volunteer appreciation initiatives, service milestones, annual thank-you events, and recognition to maintain high volunteer retention and morale.

Requirements and Preferences

• Minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.
• Engaging, relationship-focused interpersonal skills; enjoys working closely with the volunteer base and providing responsive customer service.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage recurring deadlines and multiple program priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, friendly volunteer updates, event instructions, and public-facing messages.
• Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Google Drive, Google Docs); comfortable with email, spreadsheets, basic database entry.
• Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday schedule and comfortably navigate the 7-acre Arboretum grounds during events and weekend operations.
• Experience with volunteer coordination or event management preferred.
• General knowledge of horticulture or community education, with a strong interest in public-facing, volunteer-driven programming preferred.
• Valid NC Driver's License required.

Work Schedule

Tuesday through Saturday schedule (40 hours per week). This is a 12-month recurring, full-time permanent appointment at 1.00 FTE.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range: $32,562, commensurate with experience and education.