Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator #F_240070

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems (Statewide)
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. The focus of this position will be on improving agriculture water and cropping systems related to agronomic and management issues with a statewide accountability region. Nebraska Extension is searching for an extension professional to provide leadership for its nationally recognized Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN). The incumbent's primary responsibility is to lead and grow NOFRN using contemporary technologies to encourage the adoption of research-based decision making. NOFRN is one of Nebraska Extension's long-standing signature programs that is transformational in helping farmers and agribusiness partners adopt best agronomic practices and improve profitability through technology transfer.

Responsibilities include developing and delivering water and cropping systems extension programming that a) improves profitability and sustainability, b) reduces environmental risk, c) encourages stewardship, and d) enhances resiliency. 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 (unl.edu) 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 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.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, Farm Management, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, Farm Management, 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 with an emphasis on cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Experience designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating field-size on-farm research experimental designs.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs, including securing grants and contracts, as well as cost recovery efforts.
• Evidence of outstanding leadership, team building, and collaboration skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.

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.

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