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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission up to 15 credit hours per year

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is hiring an Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator for Water & Cropping Systems based in Columbus, NE. This position focuses on delivering impactful educational programming in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

The role requires strong teaching and communication skills, and a degree in agronomy or a related field, with a commitment to developing relationships within the agricultural sector. Benefits include tuition remission and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree related to agriculture required.
• Proven ability to develop educational programs.
• Strong knowledge of cropping systems and water management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver extension programming.
• Engage community and stakeholders.
• Collaborate on applied research.

Skills

Knowledge of production agriculture

Strong teaching skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Ability to conduct outreach activities

Education

Master’s degree in agronomy or related field

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or related field

Tools

Digital resources and web-based platforms

Social media

Job description

Overview

Position is based in Columbus, NE with accountability region of Platte, Boone, and Nance counties. The educator serves as a trusted research‑based educational leader connecting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the agricultural industry, and Nebraska communities through practical, science‑based extension programming and applied research.

Primary responsibilities include developing and delivering impactful water and cropping systems extension programming that improves agricultural profitability, reduces environmental risk, encourages stewardship, enhances resilience, and expands public understanding of food production systems. The educator translates research into practical, solution‑based educational experiences for diverse audiences via workshops, field demonstrations, trials, digital resources, consultations, media outreach, and partnerships. The educator actively contributes to innovative, research‑based resources and interdisciplinary solutions for the region and across Nebraska, collaborating with university faculty, extension colleagues, industry, agencies, and stakeholders to identify needs and deliver responsive programming.

Expected to maintain a visible presence, become a trusted first source of unbiased agricultural information. Success requires strong teaching, communication, community engagement, relationship building, leadership, and partnership fostering.

Position Information

Title: Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator – Water & Cropping Systems (Platte Co.)

Department: NE Ext Engagement Zone 7-12356

Requisition Number: F_260070

Posting Open Date: 06/24/2026 – Posting Close Date: 07/24/2026

Appointment: Twelve‑month, non‑tenure track. Open rank for graduate‑level holders; instructor for bachelor’s holders with requirement to obtain master’s within 5 years.

Benefits: Tuition remission up to 15 credit hours per year.

Responsibilities (approximately 80%)

• Exemplify positive professional behavior and attitude.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products with significant reach.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional client base and programming portfolio.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs at county, region, and statewide levels.
• Engage and teach in a collaborative learning environment, encouraging research‑based decision‑making.
• Deliberately partner with Extension specialists to fulfill 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 partners.
• Engage local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high‑priority issues.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local, regional, and statewide leaders to strengthen relationships.
• Employ entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing program reach and impact.
• Create ongoing programming revenue supporting the viability of units and the System.
• Lead and contribute value to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in personal and professional development opportunities.
• Support youth development programs.
• Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop program platforms, measure impact, and report results to stakeholders and in publications.
• Collaborate with lead educators, specialists, advisory committees, and local stakeholders to assess needs and offer engagement opportunities (focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings).
• Participate in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, industry, and community leaders, strategizing in program areas.
• Culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability within 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 to build positive relationships.
• Support engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understand and adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested.

Other Requirements

Travel is required. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet UNL driver standards.

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

Equal 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, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in the same field (extension instructor). Instructors must make satisfactory progress toward a master’s within the first five years.
• Demonstrated knowledge of production agriculture, cropping systems, water management and irrigation, agronomics, precision/digital agriculture, and/or agricultural sustainability.
• Strong teaching, communication, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to translate research‑based information into practical educational programming.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs, outreach activities, training programs, and content through presentations, publications, digital resources, web‑based platforms, and/or social media.
• Ability to work collaboratively with producers, Extension specialists, industry partners, community stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting or supporting applied research, on‑farm trials, validation studies, demonstration projects, or irrigation management activities that improve water use efficiency, crop productivity, and sustainability.
• Experience in Nebraska agriculture or familiarity with Great Plains cropping systems, irrigation practices, and production systems.
• Experience with precision agriculture, digital agriculture technologies, data‑driven decision tools, and emerging technologies.
• Experience developing partnerships and collaborating with producers, commodity organizations, NRDs, agribusinesses, schools, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership through professional, academic, Extension, industry, or community involvement.
• Successful experience securing grants, sponsorships, contracts, external funding, cost‑recovery opportunities, or other financial support for educational programs.

Work Location

City, State: Columbus, NE.