Horticulture Outreach Specialist

Primary Purpose: The Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable Horticulture Outreach Specialist to lead and support a variety of public-facing horticultural education and engagement initiatives. This role is ideal for someone passionate about gardening, community outreach, and science communication.

Nature of Work: An office environment where spending extended periods of time on a computer terminal with some time spent on the telephone and in face-to-face meetings is an expectation. Employee should be able to travel to sites such as Prairieland Exhibition for Gardenscape meetings and set up.

• Public-facing horticultural education and engagement.
• Coordination and administration of multiple outreach programs.
• Collaboration with faculty, municipal partners, and community stakeholders.
• Management of digital content and educational resources.
• Event planning and program delivery.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Representative Duties (including but not limited to):

• Gardenline Program

• Respond to public inquiries via phone and email on horticulture-related topics.

• Develop and publish weekly social media content on seasonal and trending gardening topics.

• Review, update, and create new educational materials in both print and video formats.

• Liaise with faculty to advertise their horticulture events and provide awareness of their research activities to the general public through Gardenline’s various outreach channels.

• Provide a written annual report

• Gardening@Usask Website

• Manage and maintain the Gardening@Usask website, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and up to date.

• Coordinate with faculty and staff to integrate new research and resources.

• City of Saskatoon Healthy Yards Program

• Manage this program: Identify speakers, organize, promote, and coordinate an annual series of ten 2-hour webinars.

• Liaise with city officials, guest speakers, and community partners to ensure successful program delivery.

• Gardenscape Event

• Serve as the primary contact for the Department of Plant Sciences’ participation.

• Manage and coordinate booth setup, staffing, and educational materials for the event.

• Master Gardener Program

• Administer and manage the program, including participant communication, tracking volunteer lists/hours and record-keeping.

• Review and update curriculum and resources as needed to maintain program quality and relevance.

• Hort Days

• Act as the lead organizer for Hort Days, working closely with an ad hoc planning committee.

• Oversee logistics, speaker coordination, and promotional efforts.

Accountabilities:

• Ensure timely and accurate responses to public inquiries.
• Maintain high-quality, up-to-date educational content.
• Deliver successful outreach events and programs.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting for all programs.
• Uphold the reputation and outreach goals of the Department of Plant Sciences.

Education & Experience : Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, Agricultural Extension, or related field. Minimum 3 years of experience in horticulture education, community outreach, or program coordination. Experience with diverse audiences including public, municipal, and academic stakeholders

Skills:

• Website management (e.g., WordPress).

• Social media proficiency (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X).

• Video production/editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Canva, Camtasia).

• Webinar/event tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships.

• Organizational & Administrative Skills.

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Program administration, record-keeping, and evaluation.

• Independent work and sound decision-making.

• Additional Assets:

• Certification/training in adult education or science communication.

• Knowledge of sustainable landscaping, native plants, and climate-resilient gardening.

• Experience with volunteer coordination or Master Gardener programs.

Application process: Inquiries for this position can be made to Dr. Karen Tanino, Department of Plant Sciences, karen.tanino@usask.ca

Department: Plant Sciences
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: ASPA

Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30. Flexibility in scheduling is required to accommodate travel and/or event-related needs

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1

Posted Date: 9/15/2025

Closing Date: 10/6/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action**.**
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.