Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator at University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Loup City, NE

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems (Lincoln County)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Do you have the drive to help us impact agricultural producers in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences for agricultural producers and businesses that result in improved agricultural water and cropping systems? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high-performing teams to create and deliver world-class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in North Platte, NE. The focus of this position will be on improving precision agriculture water and cropping systems related to agronomic and management issues within a geographic accountability region of Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Keith, Hooker, Grant, Thomas, and Arthur 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.

We want self-directed individuals who are able to work in a flexible environment. We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Water and Cropping Systems – YouTube.

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 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 (5) years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of Nebraska's benefits package, UNL 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.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, water science, biological systems engineering, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR master's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, water science, biological systems engineering or a closely related field (extension educator). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period.
• Field experience in production agriculture emphasizing cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Water management experience, including developing programs and strategies addressing known issues such as source water protection, irrigation management, runoff protection, or similar issues affecting agricultural production.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Outstanding leadership skills demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs, including grant writing, fund generation, contracting, and/or cost recovery efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and programs effectively.

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.

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.

Application Process
Review of applications will begin December 16, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu requisition F_240197. Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions, 2) your curriculum vitae or resume, and 3) contact information for three (3) professional references. In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in 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.

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

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