A UC Master Gardener volunteer is anyone eighteen (18) years of age or older who, on an unpaid basis, agrees to provide a service or conduct an activity that supports the goals of the UC Master Gardener Program. UC Master Gardener volunteers are recruited, screened, oriented, trained, and annually appointed as part of the UC Master Gardener Program, so that they may undertake and achieve specific UC Master Gardener Program programmatic objectives.
After completing training, passing an examination, signing the Annual Volunteer Agreement and Intent to Drive paperwork, securing background investigation clearance, and satisfactorily completing other related requirements, volunteer trainees are proposed by program staff to the local UCCE County Director for appointment as certified UC Master Gardener volunteers, who then serve as “agents” of UC when in the course and scope of their UC Master Gardener Program duties.
The UC Master Gardener Program volunteer selection materials that follow, (including the position description, application, and interview guide) were created in 2021 with the input of UC Master Gardener Program personnel and volunteers, informed by best practices in inclusive volunteer selection, and reviewed by UC ANR colleagues with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) expertise.
Volunteer Position Description
A thorough, accurate volunteer position description is a key tool for recruiting and selecting volunteers with the skills to serve the UC Master Gardener Program and local communities. Ideally, volunteer position descriptions should be updated annually to reflect program and community needs.
UC Master Gardener Program Position Description v. 2021 (PDF)
UC Master Gardener Program Position Description v. 2021 (Word)
Program Application
UC recruitment/selection activities for new UC Master Gardener Program volunteers must be designed to ensure that a diverse group of adults in the local community become aware of the UC Master Gardener Program and its opportunities. All adults interested in participating as MG volunteers in the UCCE Master Gardener Program must complete a UC Master Gardener Program Program Application.
UC Master Gardener Program Application Form v 2025 PDF
Note: This document is typically housed in Appendix 2 of the UC Master Gardener Program Policy Handbook. However, the document currently housed in Appendix 2 is out of date. Until updates can be made, use the link provided above. Do not download and reupload this document locally.
SAMPLE UC Master Gardener Program Application Form v 2025 (Qualtrics) - Do not distribute
Note: Please do not use this form. Contact Marisa Coyne, Assistant Director for Volunteer and Community Engagement at macoyne@ucanr.edu to request a copy for your county. UCANR personnel may register for a UCANR-sponsored Qualtrics account using the information on the UC ANR CE Program Evaluation page.
Volunteer Screening Interviews
Volunteer Screening Interviews may be utilized to narrow the applicant pool in those counties with a large number of submissions. Interviewers should ask all interviewees the same questions and work to ensure that conversation is focused only on core competencies outlined in the UC Master Gardener Program Volunteer Position Description. UC ANR's equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of protected categories.
UC Master Gardener Program Volunteer Screening Interview v. 2021 (PDF)
UC Master Gardener Program Volunteer Screening Interview v. 2021 (Word)
Inclusive Volunteer Selection Strategies
Improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Cooperative Extension has been and will continue to be a goal for the UC Master Gardener Program. Each stage in the volunteer lifecycle (identification, selection, orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation) presents many opportunities for DEI-related interventions. This document focuses on recommendations supporting best practices at the selection stage.
Inclusive Volunteer Selection: Strategies for UC Master Gardener Program Personnel (PDF)