Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - HLES (Scotts Bluff County)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a full-time Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator in Scottsbluff, NE. This role involves developing and delivering educational programs in horticulture, collaborating with local partners, and conducting needs assessments. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in horticulture or a related field, with teaching experience and strong communication skills. This position offers opportunities for community engagement and personal development, requiring some travel within the accountability region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in horticulture or related field or a Bachelor's with progression toward Master's.
• Experience teaching in formal or non-formal settings.
• Ability to communicate using various platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs in horticulture.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders and specialists.
• Conduct needs assessments and measure program impacts.

Skills

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Urban or landscape horticulture

Leadership skills

Education

Master’s degree in horticulture or related field

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture or related field

Job description

Overview

This full‑time, 12‑month non‑tenure track position is based in Scottsbluff, NE, with a geographic accountability region that includes Banner, Box Bute, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties. The Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator will develop and deliver educational programs and resources in horticulture or related fields, working closely with homeowners, producers, institutions, and community partners to provide research‑based learning opportunities.

Programmatic Responsibilities (approximately 80%)

• Exemplify positive and professional behavior toward colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs using teaching methods that have significant reach and impact locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a robust Extension education program/engagement.
• Engage and teach in a collaborative learning and problem‑solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists.
• 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.
• Engage local, regional, and statewide partners to address high‑priority issues where Extension can contribute.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with leaders to nurture and strengthen positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities we serve.
• 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 relevant to the role.
• Support youth development programs as related to specific assignment.
• Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop program platforms, measure impact, and report results in annual reports, to Extension boards, County Commissioners, State Senators, stakeholders, professional meetings, and publications.
  • Collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, and local stakeholders to assess needs and offer access to engagement opportunities through focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, etc.
  • Participate in teams (assistants, educators, specialists, faculty, industry, and community leaders) focused on current or future needs or strengths.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region.
• 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 (approximately 20%)

• Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in the accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
  • Cooperate with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities.
  • Cultivate a culture of collaboration 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.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in horticulture, landscape design/management/sustainability, environmental science, horticulture entomology, fruit and vegetable production, plant health care, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in the same fields (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, progress toward a master’s degree is required within the initial five‑year appointment period.
• Successful experience teaching in formal or non‑formal settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience with urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals, colleagues, and teams to achieve goals.
• Outstanding leadership skills demonstrated by roles in academic, career, or community activities.
• Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs (grant writing, fund generation, contracting). 
• Experience in supervisory roles.

Work Location (City, State)

Scottsbluff, NE

Travel

Some travel required. Must meet driver standards per UNL policy and possess a valid driver’s license.

Application Process

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form.

• Letter of interest describing qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
• Curriculum vitae or resume, attached as “Curriculum Vitae.”
• Contact information for three professional references.

Also complete the required supplemental question(s) describing experience working in teams or groups and anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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, or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

EEO and Housing Discrimination

This position is not eligible for employment‑based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H‑1B) for the successful candidate.