Heritage Orchard Project Coordinator

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

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The Opportunity:
As the Heritage Orchard Outreach Coordinator for Washington State University (WSU) Extension, you will lead the implementation of the Heritage Orchard Program, with a focus on preserving Washington’s agricultural heritage through the identification, documentation, and conservation of heirloom apple cultivars and historic orchards.

You will collaborate with statewide and national partners to build and maintain a comprehensive registry of heritage orchards and rare or lost apple cultivars. In this role, you will develop and deliver educational outreach, coordinate volunteers, and support partner organizations engaged in cultivar discovery and preservation, with a particular emphasis on the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program.

You will support program development through stakeholder engagement, data management, and public education efforts. You will coordinate partnerships, assist with volunteer training and engagement, and maintain a public-facing digital presence that promotes the program and its mission. Some in-state travel will be required to support program activities, partner collaboration, and outreach efforts throughout Washington.

This is a statewide position with a flexible primary work location dependent on the final candidate.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on June 30, 2026. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $3,750.85 - $5,400.00  | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. The salary range is impacted by the assigned work location and salary Geographic Zones. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant extension program discipline (horticulture, agriculture, plant science, environmental science, history, or a closely related field) and two (2) years of related program experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated experience in program coordination, outreach, education, or volunteer management.
• Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in horticulture, orchards, heirloom crops, or agricultural history.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs or trainings for adult audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, including experience managing projects, databases, or records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with partners and volunteers.
• Proficiency with standard office software and web-based tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, content management systems).
• Ability and willingness to travel within Washington State.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in horticulture, pomology, plant breeding, agricultural history, or a related field.
• Direct experience with fruit tree cultivation, orchard management, or heirloom/heritage plant preservation.
• Familiarity with apple cultivars, pomological identification, or genetic identification tools.
• Experience working with Extension programs, particularly the Master Gardener Program.
• Experience collaborating with volunteer-driven or community-based organizations.
• Knowledge of Washington State agricultural systems and history.
• Experience managing or contributing to public-facing websites and digital outreach tools.
• Experience with GIS, data visualization, or database systems.
• Experience supporting citizen science initiatives or applied research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact effectively, with persons of varying levels of responsibility and experience, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Workday.
• Knowledge of WSU Business Policies and Procedures in the areas of personnel, finance, and administration.
• Experience in higher education, local or state agency, or equivalent.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department - https://mastergardener.wsu.edu/

Area/College: WSU Extension
Department Name: Master Gardeners
Location: This is a statewide position with a flexible primary work location dependent on the final candidate.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

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Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/