Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems Phelps 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 Holdrege, NE. The focus of this position will be on addressing agronomic and management issues related to water and cropping systems while utilizing precision agriculture technologies and practices within a geographic accountability region of Phelps, Gosper, Harlan, and Furnace 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 individuals who are self-directed and 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.
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 Master's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, or a closely related field (extension instructor). 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.
Field experience in production agriculture with an emphasis on cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
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 as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs, including grant writing, fund generation, contracting and/or cost recovery efforts.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
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 collaboration and participation in teams 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, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. Consistent with the University's N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.
Application Process Review of applications will begin April 21, 2025 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_250027. 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 environments where every person and every interaction matters. See https://ianr.unl.edu/guidance-applicant-statements-about-contributions-teams-or-groups/ 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://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/