Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development (Lincoln County)

Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; North Platte (NE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks an Extension Instructor/Open Rank Extension Educator focused on 4-H Youth Development, based in North Platte, NE, serving Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson counties. This twelve-month, non-tenure-track appointment may be open rank for a graduate degree or instructor for an undergraduate degree, with a master’s within five years.

The role centers on developing and delivering engaging Extension programs, collaborating with specialists, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a similar field; graduate degree required for open-rank educator option.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative Extension programs and products.
• Establish and sustain local and regional clientele and a programming portfolio.
• Collaborate with Extension specialists to conduct research and translate findings for diverse audiences.
• Lead and contribute to high-performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in needs assessments and report results annually to Extension boards and officials.
• Engage with local stakeholders to identify priorities and opportunities for outreach.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Youth program management

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in youth development or education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Extension Instructor / Open Rank Extension Educator – 4-H Youth Development (Lincoln County)

Position is based in North Platte, NE and serves Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson Counties. The role is a twelve‑month, non‑tenure‑track appointment with a focus on 4‑H and youth development. Depending on degree level, the appointment may be an open‑rank educator (graduate degree) or an instructor (undergraduate degree). A full‑time, promotable, non‑tenure‑track position for graduate holders; for undergraduate holders, a non‑promotable, non‑tenure‑track appointment renewed annually for up to five years, with a requirement to achieve a master’s degree within that period. Tuition remission of up to 15 credit hours per year is available for full‑time employees.

Programmatic Responsibilities (≈80 %)

• Exemplify positive and professional behavior and attitude toward colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that reach, engage, and impact the county, regional, and statewide audiences.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional clientele base and a documented programming portfolio shared with colleagues.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess Extension education programs at the county, regional, and statewide levels.
• Engage and teach in a collaborative learning and problem‑solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research‑based decision‑making information.
• Deliberately engage and work closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill Extension responsibilities.
• Collaborate with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Show robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and other internal and external partners to translate and convey the latest research‑based information.
• Engage local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high‑priority issues where Extension can contribute.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local, regional, and statewide leaders that nurtures positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the people served.
• Employ entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing Extension’s program reach and impact.
• Create ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
• Lead and contribute value to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to the role.
• Support youth development programs by contributing to areas related to your specific assignment.
• Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop various program and engagement platforms to connect with a variety of audiences, measure program impact, and report results annually to Extension boards, County and State officials, and in professional and Extension publications.
• Educators will collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, advisory committees, and local stakeholders within their accountability region to assess needs and offer engagement opportunities through platforms such as focus groups, surveys, and stakeholder meetings.
• Participate in teams composed of assistants, educators, specialists, faculty, industry, and community leaders focusing on needs or strengths and strategizing in relevant program areas.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region that nurtures and builds positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities served.
• Cultivate open and welcoming learning environments.
• Complete PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfill annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

Organizational Citizenship / Lead Educator Role (≈20 %)

• Serve in, contribute to, or support the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Lead Educator document in partnership with the supervisor.
• Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and regionally 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.
• Accept 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. Applicants must meet driver standards per UNL policy and possess a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension educator) or bachelor’s degree in a similar field (extension instructor); if hired as an instructor, the incumbent must make satisfactory progress toward a master’s degree within the initial five‑year appointment period.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non‑formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate through publications, presentations, web, and social media.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with youth and youth organizations, including understanding positive youth development and youth program management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working as a team with strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience/training in the recruitment, training, mentoring, and management of volunteers.
• Experience and ability to engage audiences from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
• Ability to speak languages in addition to English; Spanish preferred.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ for more information.