Application Deadline – Thursday, July 6, 2023

Texas Master Gardeners provide support to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service by providing unbiased, research-based gardening information to the public that is locally relevant. By applying to become a Master Gardener, you are expressing your desire to support this community education through your volunteer service.

The 2023 Master Gardener Training Class

The Master Gardener Training Class is designed to provide you with the horticulture information that you will use to provide the community with unbiased, researched-based gardening information.

Offered by

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Begins: August 23, 2023 – Ends: November 17, 2023 (Friday)
Classes meet every Wednesday, 12 – 4 PM
(Unless told otherwise)
Class Location:
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Conference Room
3355 Cherry Ridge St. #208, San Antonio, TX 78230
Field Trips:
Friday, Oct 6, 9 AM – 12 PM, San Antonio Botanical Garden
Friday, Nov 17, 9-11 AM, Peterson Brothers (Wholesale grower)

Proficiency in gardening is not required.
We are looking for individuals that are ready to volunteer their time to the Bexar County Master Gardener program.

Submission of application does not guarantee acceptance into the class.

Master Gardener Internship Requirements

If accepted for the Master Gardener Program, you will be admitted as a Master Gardener Intern. The Intern period is from August 23, 2023, through November 30, 2024. During this time MG Interns will

  • Complete classroom training:
    • 13 4-hr in-person classes
    • 2 field trips
    • Final exam
  • Provide a minimum of 50 volunteer hours (VHs) of service under the guidance of certified Master Gardeners and the County Program Coordinator. Of which:
    • Part of your 50 VHs will be in required events, programs, and committees designed to give a wider overview and understanding of the entire organization’s back-office functions and how we enable/support the mission and actual hands-on horticultural activities. These required VHs will include:
  1. Research – Successfully research and write an educational article (150 words) or assist with developing a new presentation for the Speakers Bureau Library
  2. Phone Helpline – Work with veteran MGs for 2 shifts
  3. Team/Committee Work – Serve on a committee or attend a informational briefing on one of the many teams/committees (Scion, Leaflet, Calendar, Publicity, Scholarship, Facebook, Education, etc.) where you can learn what that team/committee does and how to join if interested
  4. Children’s Education – Working directly with children under the guidance of veteran MGs or the Youth Gardening Coordinator at the Children’s Vegetable Gardens (2 shifts) or on a Youth Garden Buddies event (watering the garden or assembling activity kits do not count)
  5. Speaker’s Bureau – Attend the informational briefing where you will learn how you can participate in the Speaker’s Bureau, either by serving as a speaker or assisting in developing a new presentation.
  6. Attend one BCMG Monthly Membership Meeting
  7. Complete additional volunteer hours in approved activities of your choice so that you earn at least 50 by the end of your internship.

Graduation/Certification will be at the 2024 December Holiday and Awards Party.

Master Gardener Annual Certification

Each year certified Master Gardeners must complete the following to continue their certified status for the following year:

  • Provide 30 VHs of service
  • Earn 6 hours of approved Continuing Education (CE)
  • Attend 2 BCMG Monthly Membership Meetings
  • Pay BCMG Dues, currently $25
  • Renew a background check (once every three years)

Application Process

To be considered for the Master Gardener Program you must:

  1. Complete the online or written application found below
  2. Attend an in-person group interview in July

Interviews

Applicants will attend a group interviews to complete the application process. During the interview you will be given 3-5 minutes to help us learn more about you and how you might engage as a Master Gardener educator/volunteer. Please plan to attend for the full group time. Please address the first two questions (in bold) plus one or more of the following topics:

  • Why are you applying for the Master Gardener Training?
  • What can you offer Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Bexar County Master Gardeners Program?
  • Briefly describe your work history and educational background
  • Are you retired or do you currently work? Briefly share your work experience.
  • Briefly describe your gardening experience
  • Briefly describe your experience working with youth/adults
  • Briefly describe your public speaking experience
  • Briefly describe your event planning experience
  • Briefly describe your board or committee experience
  • Are you bi-lingual? If yes, iin what language(s)?
  • Anything else you would like to share

2023 Interview dates/times are:

  1. Group 1: Tuesday, July 25, 1:30-3:30 PM
  2. Group 2: Wednesday, July 26, 10 AM – 12 PM
  3. Group 3: Wednesday, July 26, 1:30-3:30 PM
  4. Group 4: Thursday, July 27, 1:30-3:30 PM
  5. Group 5: Friday, July 28, 10 AM – 12 PM

Applications

Please apply, if possible, through our online form:


    Please complete the following interest survey


    I have experience and am comfortable and willing to speak.I have limited/no experience, but I am interested in becoming a speakerI am not interested in becoming a speaker


    I have experience with PowerPoint, and would like to helpI have limited/no experience with PowerPoint, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with creating presentations


    I have experience in curriculum development, and I would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with curriculum development


    Yes, I have experience and would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with publicity


    I have experience and would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with social media


    I have experience and would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with IT


    I have experience working with virtual platformsI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with virtual platforms


    I have experience and would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping work with spreadsheets


    I have experience and would like to helpI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in graphic design


    I have experience using Square to take paymentsI have limited/no experience, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping as a cashier


    I have experience with fundraising and would be willing to helpI have limited/no experience with fundraising, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with fundraising


    I have experience with grant writing and would be willing to helpI have limited/no experience with grant writing, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with grant writing


    I have experience with bookkeeping and would like to helpI have limited/no experience with bookkeeping, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping with bookkeeping


    I have experience with the set-up and tear-down of structures and displays and would like to helpI have limited/no experience with the set-up and tear-down of structures and displays, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in helping to set-up and tear-down structures and displays.


    Yes, I really want to work with youth!I will help occasionallyI am not interested in helping with youth programs and events


    Yes, I want to help develop new youth programsI will help occasionallyI am not interested in helping with developing new youth programs


    I have considerable experienceI have limited experienceI have no experience


    I would be interested in helpingI will help occasionallyI am not interested in helping with plant research trials


    I am interested in serving in this type of activityI will train and serve, only if needed, in this type of activityI am not interested in serving in this type of activity


    I have experience in this area and would like to helpI have limited/no experience in leading or organizing events, but I am willing to learn and helpI am not interested in serving in this capacity

    Please indicate your first (1) and second (2) choice for interview times. Please plan to attend for the full group time.


    Group 1: Tue, July 25, 1:30-3:30 pmGroup 2: Wed, July 26, 10 am - 12 pmGroup 3: Wed, July 26, 1:30-3:30 pmGroup 4: Thur, July 27, 1:30-3:30 pmGroup 5: Fri, July 28, 10 am - 12 pm


    Group 1: Tue, July 25, 1:30-3-30 pmGroup 2: Wed, July 26, 10 am - 12 pmGroup 3: Wed, July 26, 1:30-3:30 pmGroup 4: Thur, July 27, 1:30-3:30 pmGroup 5: Fri, July 28, 10 am - 12 pm


    You may submit letters of reference (optional):

    By submitting this application, I indicatethat I have read and understand the expectations of holding a Bexar County Master Gardener certification. I agree to fully complete the classroom training and volunteer at least 50 hours of service as a MG Intern volunteer as outlined above.

    Please click the Submit button only once. It may take the system a few seconds to respond.

    Or fill in and print out our paper application: Fillable PDF

    • Mail to: AgriLife Extension Service, ATTN: Nick Vazquez, 3355 Cherry Ridge St., Ste. 212, San Antonio, TX 78230
    • Drop-off: Use the drop box at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office (same address)
    • Email: Attach the forms and send to [email protected]

    Only one submission of application is required.

    You may attach up to two letters of reference (optional).

    Application Deadline – Thursday, July 6, 2023


    Get your application in A.S.A.P. as space is limited.

    If Accepted – Additional Registration Information

    • Approved applicants must attend a group interview (July 25, 26, 27, or 28) for selection.
    • Applicants will be contacted within a week’s time of their interview regarding their status of being accepted or not accepted for the training. Accepted applicants will be sent a private link via email for payment of $300 which is payable in full – by August 18.
    • Needs-based reduced fees may be available, please contact David Rodriguez, at [email protected].
    • Fee covers: MG manual, top-notch presenters, all supplies, etc.
    • NOTE: A background check is required on ALL applicants participating in any Extension Volunteer Program and will be completed on the first day of class.
    • If applicant withdraws prior to August 23, 2023, a processing fee of $100 will be administered, no refunds will be issued on or after August 23, 2023.

    ____________________________________________

    Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating San Antonio.