Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator – Water & Cropping Systems (Phelps Co.)

          Overview

This position is based in Holdrege, Nebraska, with the geographic accountability region of Phelps, Gosper, Harlan, and Furnace Counties. Primary responsibilities include 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 toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the Nebraska 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.

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 Systems.

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 Opportunity 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 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.

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://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum 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.

Work Location (City, State)    Holdrege, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required        Yes

Posted Salary

How to Apply

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty 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 (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.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Marci Sturek

msturek2@unl.edu

Job Category   Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Category (old)       Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type             12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?      No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location         Default Location

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Provide a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters.

(Open Ended Question)

* Describe your teaching experiences.

(Open Ended Question)

* How have you demonstrated that you are an effective team player?

(Open Ended Question)

* Describe how you would develop, deliver, and evaluate an extension program for a water and cropping systems issue of your choice.

(Open Ended Question)

* Describe your experiences working with organizations, businesses, agencies, or individuals in agricultural water and cropping system related activities within the past five years.

(Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

Required Documents

Letter of Interest

Curriculum Vitae

List of References

Optional Documents