RamCorps Horticulture Outreach Specialist
Colorado State University, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
# Job Description## Position SummaryThis member will serve as an ambassador of promoting the land-grant mission of fostering the accessibility and application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Denver and beyond. They will work on developing, strengthening and delivering youth and adult programs emphasizing horticulture, sustainability, and natural resources. For youth audiences, the aim is to provide children with the tools to pursue a career in natural resources, environmental sciences, or other STEM fields. For adult audiences, the aim is to provide folks with knowledge of Colorado’s ecosystems.
Additionally, members will support Master Gardeners and the Horticulture specialist throughout the season and act as liaisons between the public and Denver Extension to cultivate engagement between gardeners, growers, and the broader community. Members will serve as program activators, building deeper connections with community gardens and programs, leading events, and participating in workdays and infrastructure projects throughout the network.Term of Service/Time CommitmentThis is a three-quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours from March through the end of service term in December (approximately 30 hours/week). Members will frequently need to maintain flexible hours Monday-Friday, including serving occasional weekends and evenings. The position begins in March 2026 and ends in December 2026.Location and Service ConditionsThe Denver Extension office is located at Harvard Gulch Park in the Rosedale neighborhood in Denver. Members serving are expected to have an ability and willingness to serve in a team setting and to promote collaboration and respect. Members will regularly need to use a computer for e-mail communication, program coordination, and online reporting. Members serving in this role will thrive if they are personable, positive, and have a passion for community building and service. Members should note that service in this position will sometimes include working on projects or programs outdoors in varied weather conditions.AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).Training and Support Provided* Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.* Up to 20% (or 240 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.* Members are expected to participate in ongoing trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or Denver Urban Gardens.* Members will be supervised and supported by Isabel Mendoza, Denver County Extension Director, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, **melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu**. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.Program Benefits* A living allowance of approximately $741.81 for full time per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $16,320 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed via direct deposit to the member.* An education award of $5,176.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.* It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.* Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.* Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.* Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.* Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.* Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.* Other certifications, experience, etc.## Full Consideration Date2/25/2026## Description of Work UnitThe Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.To learn more, visit our website at .## Essential Duties* Plan horticultural events and activities. Plan, coordinate, lead, deliver and design horticulture-focused educational activities and demonstrations to youth and adults in a variety of settings (i.e. libraries, community events, workshops, farmer markets etc.). Plan and oversee community-building events in collaboration with partners.* Attend public outreach events focusing on horticulture, gardening, STEM, food access, and more.
Through these events, the AmeriCorps member will familiarize themself with the basic principles of these fields (e.g. botany, soils, entomology, plant pathology, etc.).* Create engaging content for our social media networks to promote community participation and visibility of services offered by the Denver Extension office.* Collect, document and report quantitative and qualitative impact data for quarterly progress reports and monthly impact statements.* Support community volunteers to assist with programs.## Conditions of Employment* Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.* Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.* Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.* Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.## SupervisionThis position has no supervisory responsibility.## Required Job Qualifications* High school diploma or G.E.D.* Prior experience of applying best practices for classroom management skills including verbal and written communication, public speaking and interpersonal abilities when working with various learner ages and backgrounds.* Background in gardening, horticulture, natural resources, ecology and related fields.## Preferred Job Qualifications* Demonstrated knowledge of basic graphic design online tools.* Bilingual in English and Spanish.## Application InstructionsFor full consideration, all materials must be submitted in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, February #J-18808-Ljbffr
Additionally, members will support Master Gardeners and the Horticulture specialist throughout the season and act as liaisons between the public and Denver Extension to cultivate engagement between gardeners, growers, and the broader community. Members will serve as program activators, building deeper connections with community gardens and programs, leading events, and participating in workdays and infrastructure projects throughout the network.Term of Service/Time CommitmentThis is a three-quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours from March through the end of service term in December (approximately 30 hours/week). Members will frequently need to maintain flexible hours Monday-Friday, including serving occasional weekends and evenings. The position begins in March 2026 and ends in December 2026.Location and Service ConditionsThe Denver Extension office is located at Harvard Gulch Park in the Rosedale neighborhood in Denver. Members serving are expected to have an ability and willingness to serve in a team setting and to promote collaboration and respect. Members will regularly need to use a computer for e-mail communication, program coordination, and online reporting. Members serving in this role will thrive if they are personable, positive, and have a passion for community building and service. Members should note that service in this position will sometimes include working on projects or programs outdoors in varied weather conditions.AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).Training and Support Provided* Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.* Up to 20% (or 240 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.* Members are expected to participate in ongoing trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or Denver Urban Gardens.* Members will be supervised and supported by Isabel Mendoza, Denver County Extension Director, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, **melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu**. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.Program Benefits* A living allowance of approximately $741.81 for full time per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $16,320 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed via direct deposit to the member.* An education award of $5,176.50 earned upon successful completion of term of service.* It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.* Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.* Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.* Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.* Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.* Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.* Other certifications, experience, etc.## Full Consideration Date2/25/2026## Description of Work UnitThe Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.To learn more, visit our website at .## Essential Duties* Plan horticultural events and activities. Plan, coordinate, lead, deliver and design horticulture-focused educational activities and demonstrations to youth and adults in a variety of settings (i.e. libraries, community events, workshops, farmer markets etc.). Plan and oversee community-building events in collaboration with partners.* Attend public outreach events focusing on horticulture, gardening, STEM, food access, and more.
Through these events, the AmeriCorps member will familiarize themself with the basic principles of these fields (e.g. botany, soils, entomology, plant pathology, etc.).* Create engaging content for our social media networks to promote community participation and visibility of services offered by the Denver Extension office.* Collect, document and report quantitative and qualitative impact data for quarterly progress reports and monthly impact statements.* Support community volunteers to assist with programs.## Conditions of Employment* Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.* Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.* Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.* Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.## SupervisionThis position has no supervisory responsibility.## Required Job Qualifications* High school diploma or G.E.D.* Prior experience of applying best practices for classroom management skills including verbal and written communication, public speaking and interpersonal abilities when working with various learner ages and backgrounds.* Background in gardening, horticulture, natural resources, ecology and related fields.## Preferred Job Qualifications* Demonstrated knowledge of basic graphic design online tools.* Bilingual in English and Spanish.## Application InstructionsFor full consideration, all materials must be submitted in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, February #J-18808-Ljbffr