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

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems – BGMA

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Do you have the drive to help 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? The focus of this position is to improve precision agriculture water and cropping systems management while reducing environmental risk in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA). 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 Extension professional in the geographic region of Knox, Pierce, and Antelope Counties (location TBD). Specific overarching desired outcomes in the BGMA include 1) establishing a robust field-size on-farm research program to advance and evaluate nitrogen and irrigation water best management practices, 2) demonstrating measurable progress toward reduced nitrogen fertilizer loss to groundwater, 3) establishing a plan and process to study agronomic practice behavioral science among producers and influencers, and 4) securing continued funding to support research and education efforts in the BGMA. 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 can 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 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. If a master's degree is obtained prior to the end of the five-year period, the incumbent will be eligible for an appointment as an assistant extension educator. 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, mechanized agricultural systems, natural resources, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR master's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, mechanized agricultural systems, natural resources, 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, especially corn production, 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.
• Evidence of outstanding leadership, organization, team building, and collaboration skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence the behavior change, decision-making and adoption of recommended practices in the agriculture sector.
• Experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• 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 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 2, 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_240173. 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, and 3) 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 teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating 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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