Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Cheyenne Co.)

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln; Sidney (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for an Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator in Water & Cropping Systems (Cheyenne Co.). The role is based in Sidney, NE, with responsibilities across Kimball, Cheyenne, Duel, Garden, and Banner Counties, delivering research-based extension programming to improve profitability and sustainability in cropping systems.

The successful candidate will support statewide initiatives, pursue master’s degree progress if hired as an

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or closely related field as applicable to instructor/educator roles.
• Field experience in production agriculture with emphasis on cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Experience teaching in formal or informal settings; demonstrated ability to communicate via publications, presentations, web, and social media.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver water and cropping systems extension programming in Sidney, NE and surrounding counties.
• Collaborate as part of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team to create solution-based resources.
• Engage with partners and audiences to promote equity, inclusion, and impactful programming.

Skills

Field experience

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or related field (extension instructor)

Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or related field (extension educator)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Cheyenne Co.)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Cheyenne Co.)

Department

Department NE Ext Engagement Zone 1-12350

Requisition Number

Requisition Number F_240089

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 06/04/2024

Application Review Date

(To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/16/2024

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

Overview
This position is based in Sidney, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Kimball, Cheyenne, Duel, Garden, and Banner Counties. Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering water and cropping systems extension programming that a) improves profitability and sustainability, b) reduces environmental risk, c) encourages stewardship, d) enhances resiliency, and e) expands consumer awareness of food, forage, grain, and fiber. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team.

Nebraska Extension professionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals, in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences. Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

This twelve-month, non-tenure 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 open rank 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. As part of the Nebraska 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.

Benefits

• UNL offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

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.

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.

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 .

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, or a closely related field (extension educator). If hired as an extension 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 relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or informal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
• 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.

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Sidney, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location

Organizational Location Default Location

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Provide a statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your teaching experiences including traditional classroom, informal (field days, workshops, clinics), webinars, YouTube videos, podcasts, or other use of media.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How have you demonstrated that you are an effective team player?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe how you would develop, deliver, and evaluate an extension program for a water and cropping systems issue of your choice.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your experiences working with organizations, businesses, agencies, or individuals in agricultural water and cropping system related activities within the past five years.

  (Open Ended Question)