Extension Educator - Crops

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Extension Crops Team is seeking an Extension Educator in Crops to lead and develop education programs for agricultural professionals and crop producers. This role emphasizes applied research, collaboration with partners, and statewide outreach across Minnesota.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master of Science in a relevant field, possess strong English communication skills, and have experience translating scientific findings into practical extension programming for

Qualifications

• Master of Science in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agricultural education, or related discipline.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to end-users.
• Demonstrated skills with technology-enhanced teaching.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deliver, implement and evaluate educational programs on crop production at regional and state levels.
• Identify educational needs and audiences and design curricula and materials.
• Use in-person and virtual seminars, webinars, workshops to educate crop producers and professionals.
• Collaborate to design and market program materials via websites and social media.
• Evaluate impact of programs and adapt strategies as needed.
• Travel locally within Minnesota and occasionally out of state for events.

Skills

English communication

Explain complex science

Technology-enabled teaching

Collaboration

Education

Master of Science in agronomy/crop science/soil science or related discipline

Job description

Extension Educator - Crops

Job code: Assistant Extension Professor, Production Agriculture (9624PA)

Employee Group: Professional & Administrative

Full/Part Time: Full time, 100%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Extension Regional Office; Preferred office locations: Anoka, Farmington, St. Cloud, or Mankato (location negotiated at time of offer). This is an on-site and in-person position, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available

Estimated salary range: $72,000-$82,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Apply by: September 24, 2026

About the Job

Minnesota ranks sixth nationally in crop production and encompasses diverse cropping systems. Top commodity crops in the state include corn, soybeans, small grains, forages, and sugar beets. The Extension Educator (EE) in Crops position will work to enhance Minnesota's cropping systems by applying their expertise through Extension educational programming. The EE is responsible for the development, delivery, marketing, evaluation, and leadership of impactful Extension educational programs primarily for agricultural professional audiences yet also targeting crop producers. Effective use of existing scholarly/scientific research, partnerships, and technology is essential.

This position will join the University of Minnesota's Extension Crops Team, a well-established group that plays a crucial role in maintaining the competitiveness, profitability, and environmental responsibility of the state's agricultural industry. As part of the team, educators provide comprehensive educational programs on various crop production subjects, such as agronomy, pesticide safety, soil fertility, sustainability, and integrated pest management. Some educators may have additional specific focus on individual crops or targeted audiences to complement the program offerings of the Crops Team. This position will also specifically contribute to the Institute for Agricultural Professionals (IAP). More information on IAP is available at: https://extension.umn.edu/ag-professionals/institute-ag-professionals.

Location and Work Environment

This position will be housed at a University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office. The position will be located in the Central/Eastern MN region where the Anoka, Farmington, St. Cloud and Mankato Regional Extension offices are located. These areas of the state offer outdoor recreational, and social opportunities: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/live.

This is an on-site and in-person position. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered with no more than two days per week from a remote office. The position will concentrate on regional crops extension programming needs yet will also include state-wide responsibilities.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position that will report to the program leader of the Crops team. There will be some evening and weekend work required due to the needs of the audiences with which we work. This position will be expected to travel locally 1-2 days every other week, on day trips within Minnesota about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips within Minnesota about 1-2 times per month, for 1-3 nights; and trips outside of Minnesota about 1-2 times per year. These estimates will vary depending on time of the year and office location selected; some locations will have further travel occur due to office location. The position will be asked to travel to the St Paul Campus 1-2 times per month to connect with team partners, plan activities, and host events. Most of these trips can be done in a day.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Development (70%)

• Design, develop, deliver, implement and evaluate educational programs on a variety of topics related to crop production based on scholarly/scientific theory and research at the regional and state levels.
• Identify educational needs and audiences and design educational curricula and materials to meet those needs.
• Use in-person and virtual seminars, webinars, workshops, and other media to educate crop producers and agricultural professionals.
• Contribute to the Institute for Ag Professionals, pesticide safety education, and broad programmatic work to address important regional agronomic issues such as corn, soybean, small grain, or forage production, general agronomics, pest management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture.
• Collaborate with communication staff at UMN Extension and the Crops team program coordinator to design, develop, and implement program materials and marketing via websites and social media.
• Evaluate and report on the impact of this work and how it may need to change and adapt in the future.
• Continued professional development in program development and delivery via conferences, self-directed study and/or other means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

Partnerships and Collaboration (15%)

• Collaborate with Extension educators (regional and local), state Extension specialists, and other appropriate agricultural and natural resource teams at the University of Minnesota.
• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, and state governmental and private partnerships (e.g. commodity groups, conservation organizations, government agencies, industry, etc.) that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programming efforts.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and partnerships.
• Participate in team meetings and serve on committees and boards.

Scholarship (15%)

• Partner with faculty and research professionals at University of Minnesota campuses, research centers, and offices in conducting applied research related to crop production that supports extension programs.
• Share research findings through project reports, newsletters, websites, social media posts, podcasts, or other formats.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, agricultural education, or related discipline.
• Experience in agronomy, pest management, plant/crop science, cropping systems, soil science or related discipline.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated skills in communicating complex, scientific concepts to end-users.
• Demonstrated skills with technology-enhanced communication and/or teaching.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have varied missions, goals, and backgrounds.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to be utilized for travel to workshops and programming, and for transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities or to state-wide events and provide in-person programming; in-state overnight travel may occur one to two days per month on average.
• Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to fifty pounds of force.
• The position will require work outdoors during all weather conditions, including in farm fields, research plots, and on uneven terrain.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of experience in extension education, other forms of adult education, or communications related to crop production.
• Two (2) or more years of full-time experience in agronomy, pest management, plant/crop science, cropping systems, soil science or related discipline related to crop production.
• Experience coordinating educational events.
• Evidence of designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Documentation of problem-solving and outreach in crop production systems.
• Experience with influencing needs-based applied research and translating research into adoptable practices by farmers and other end-users.
• Experience or background in integrated pest management in farming systems.
• Demonstrated skills in project/program management and working with farmers and/or agricultural professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Familiarity with working with the media (print, television, and/or radio)

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

In the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR), we work with purpose to deliver research-based programming that improves lives, environments and the communities in which we live and work. We value engagement, inclusion, discovery, integrity, growth, and balance.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $72,000-$82,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.