Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Lexington (NE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission for full-time employees

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is hiring an Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator focused on Early Childhood in Dawson County. This role involves developing educational programs for young children and their caregivers, fostering collaboration with specialists, and supporting community engagement.

The ideal candidate will possess a master's degree in child development or a related field, strong communication skills, and experience in teaching. Some travel may be required, and temporary authorization sponsorship is possible.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development or closely related field required for Extension Educator role.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Successful experience in teaching, either formal or non-formal.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs for young children and their caregivers.
• Collaborate with specialists and research faculty on applied research.
• Engage in personal professional development and community engagement.

Skills

Communication skills

Teaching experience

Leadership skills

Multilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

Master’s degree in child development or related field

Bachelor’s degree in the same field (if applying as Extension Instructor)

Job description

Position

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator – Early Childhood (Dawson County).

Overview

This position is based in Lexington, NE within the geographic region of Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Perkins, and Keith Counties. The incumbent will develop and deliver high‑quality educational programs and resources for young children and their caregivers, contributing to the integrated land‑grant mission of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (I‑ANR) and Nebraska Extension.

Programmatic Responsibilities (≈80%)

• Exemplify positive, professional behavior toward colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products using effective teaching methods and strategies with wide reach and impact at the county, region, and statewide levels.
• Establish and maintain a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio documented and shared with colleagues.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess Extension education programs.
• Engage and teach in collaborative learning environments with assistants, educators, and specialists to promote research‑based decision‑making.
• Work closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your responsibilities.
• Collaborate with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., health and wellbeing, community) that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and external partners to translate and convey the latest research‑based information.
• Engage partners to address high‑priority issues where Extension can contribute.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, nurturing strong relationships between the University, its partners, and the served communities.
• Employ entrepreneurial practices to secure funding and partnerships, enhancing program reach and impact.
• Create ongoing programming revenue supporting the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
• Lead and contribute to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in personal and professional development to enhance relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies.
• Support youth development programs through relevant activities.
• Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop programs and engagement platforms, measure impact, and report results via annual reports and to stakeholders such as County Commissioners, State Senators, professional meetings, and publications.
• Collaborate with lead educators, specialists, advisory committees, and local stakeholders to assess needs and provide access to engagement opportunities through various platforms (focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings).
• Participate in teams with assistants, educators, specialists, faculty, industry, and community leaders to strategize program areas.
• Foster collaboration and build positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities served.
• Cultivate open, welcoming learning environments.
• Complete PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfill annual I‑ANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

Organizational Citizenship / Lead Educator Role (≈20%)

• Serve in or support Lead Educator roles as defined in the Lead Educator document in partnership with the supervisor.
• Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other local Extension professionals to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
• Cooperate with local faculty and staff to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact.
• Cultivate collaborative culture with local leaders and community members.
• Support engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special assignments at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and university levels.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field (Extension Educator); OR bachelor’s degree in the same field (Extension Instructor). If hired as an instructor, progress toward and completion of a master’s degree is expected within five years.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (publications, presentations, web, and social media) to diverse audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non‑formal setting (e.g., preschool, K‑12).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and programs effectively.
• Experience working with colleagues and teams to accomplish goals.
• Outstanding leadership skills demonstrated through extracurricular roles.
• Knowledge and/or experience with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Other Information

• Some travel required; meet UNL driver standards and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Not eligible for mandatory employment‑based permanent residency sponsorship; temporary work authorization sponsorship possible.
• The University of Nebraska offers tuition remission for full‑time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. After earning the master’s degree within the initial period, the position advances to an assistant extension educator appointment.
• The University of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer; see https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/ for more information.