Extension Program Assistant/Associate-Volunteer Coordinator

Essential Job Duties

• Provide recruitment, training, and coordination for volunteers across our Extension programs and events, Arboretum grounds volunteers, gift shop volunteers, tours, and others.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Design, coordinate, and execute volunteer appreciation initiatives, service milestones, annual thank-you events, and recognition to maintain high volunteer retention and morale.

Primary Function Of Organizational Unit

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.

Requirements and Preferences

• The 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.

Department Required Skills

• 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.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Experience with volunteer coordination or event management.
• General knowledge of horticulture or community education, with a strong interest in public-facing, volunteer-driven programming.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Supervise 0% of time spent.

Work Schedule

Tuesday through Saturday schedule (40 hours per week).

Minimum Experience/Education

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent.

Department Required Skills

• 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.