Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Clay County)

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln; Clay Center (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking an Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator for Clay County, NE. The role emphasizes developing and delivering water and cropping systems programming across Clay, Nuckolls, and Thayer counties, with a focus on profitability, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

The position is twelve months, non-tenure track, with potential for master’s degree progress and tuition remission benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences or closely related field (extension instructor)
• Master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences or closely related field (extension educator)
• Experience teaching in formal or non-formal settings
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in publications, presentations, web and social media

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with colleagues, agencies, industry reps and producers to address agronomic issues
• Develops, delivers and measures impacts of programs on rainfed and irrigated crop production
• Collects and interprets data for data-driven, digital, and precision management strategies
• Designs and delivers extension education focusing on water and cropping systems in the assigned region
• Engages with community partners to promote adoption of research-based information
• Supports Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and advisory groups to expand reach

Skills

Field experience in cropping systems

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy/crop science/plant sciences

Master’s degree in agronomy/crop science/plant sciences (if educator)

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Clay County)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Clay County)

Department

Department NE Ext Engagement Zone 10-12359

Requisition Number

Requisition Number F_240135

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/19/2024

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/21/2024

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

Overview
This position is based in Clay Center, NE with the geographic accountability region of Clay, Nuckolls, and Thayer 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.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%):

• Collaborates closely with colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and crop producers to address agronomic and management issues in diverse cropping systems.
• Develops, delivers, and measures impacts of programs and engagements regarding rainfed and irrigated crop production systems in Nebraska.
• Participates in collection and interpretation of data to develop data driven, digital, and precision agricultural management strategies for clientele.
• Uses innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust extension education program focused on water and cropping production systems within the assigned geographic region, and as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems Team.
• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with crop producers and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
• Participates in and supports the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.
• Identifies needs and provides access to educational opportunities within the assigned geographic region, working with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts and local commodity associations).
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and to extend the reach and impact of these programs.
• Partners with research faculty members in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Conducts needs assessments, identifies priorities, measures program impact, and reports results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in cropping systems and extension pedagogy.
• Supports youth development programs by teaching in areas related to Water and Cropping Systems.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP / LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%):

• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in the accountability region 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 Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
• Accepts 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. 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 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 non-formal 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 in 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.

Clay Center, NE

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Provide a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating 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)