Job description

Overview
This position is based in McCook, NE with the geographic accountability region of Red Willow, Hitchcock, Hayes, and Frontier Counties. Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering water and cropping systems extension programming that: a) improves profitability and sustainability. b) reduces environmental risk, c) encourages stewardship, d) enhances resiliency, and e) expands consumer awareness of food, forage, grain, and fiber. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an open rank educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction, will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefit package, The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers tuition remission for full-time employees up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

Nebraska Extension professionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Collaborates closely with colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and crop producers to address agronomic and management issues in diverse cropping systems.
• Develops, delivers, and measures impacts of programs and engagements regarding rainfed and irrigated crop production systems in Nebraska.
• Participates in collection and interpretation of data to develop data driven, digital, and precision agricultural management strategies for clientele.
• Uses innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for a robust extension education program focused on water and cropping production systems within the assigned geographic region, and as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team.
• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with crop producers and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
• Participates in and supports the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.
• Identifies needs and provides access to educational opportunities within the assigned geographic region, working with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts and local commodity associations).
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and to extend the reach and impact of these programs.
• Partners with research faculty members in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Conducts needs assessments, identifies priorities, measures program impact, and reports results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in cropping systems and extension pedagogy.
• Supports youth development programs by teaching in areas related to Water and Cropping Sytems.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)

• Serves in, contributes to, or supports the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at https://myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-description as determined in partnership with the supervisor(s).
• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence by
• Cooperating with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
• Cultivating a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
• Supporting engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
• Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or a closely related field (extension educator).
• Field experience in production agriculture with an emphasis on cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Experience with cover crop management.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs including securing grants and contracts, as well as cost recovery efforts.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Experience in the development and implementation of social media communication and education, including managing websites, blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitter accounts for a professional organization.

How to Apply: Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

• A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
• Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as “Curriculum Vitae”).
• Contact information for three professional references.

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

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