Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems NOFRN (Statewide)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, United States

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Position Information
Position Information


Working Title Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems NOFRN (Statewide)
Department Cooperative Ext Division-0788
Requisition Number F_240070
Posting Open Date 05/03/2024
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 06/05/2024
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
Overview
This position is based in Lincoln, NE, with a statewide accountability region. The incumbent’s primary responsibility is to lead and grow the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network (NOFRN) using contemporary technologies to encourage the adoption of research-based decision making. NOFRN is a long-standing signature program that is transformational in helping farmers and agribusiness partners adopt best agronomic practices through technology transfer that a) improves profitability and sustainability, b) reduces environmental risk, c) fosters stewardship, and d) enhances resiliency. The overarching goal is to improve water and cropping systems related to priority agronomic and management issues. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources and educational programs 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 (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). 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 the adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
  • Leads, coordinates, and manages the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.
  • Identifies needs and provides access to educational opportunities within the assigned geographic region, working with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts, state 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%):
  • Serves in, contributes to, or supports the Academic/Administrative Unit. Coordinates with Unit Head/Director/Program Area Leaders/Engagement Zone Coordinators and other Extension professionals, on campus and statewide as appropriate, to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
  • Cooperates with faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the academic/administrative Unit and statewide.
  • Cultivates a culture of collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders that builds positive relationships between the University and our partners.
  • Supports engagement of advisory or policy groups such as Unit Advisory Committees, Program Advisory Committees, and others as appropriate.
  • 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, Farm Management, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Sciences, Farm Management, 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.
  • Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
  • Experience designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating field-size on-farm research experimental designs.
  • Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs, including securing grants and contracts, as well as cost recovery efforts.
  • Evidence of outstanding leadership, team building, and collaboration skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.
Work Location (City, State) Statewide
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:
  • A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
  • Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as “Curriculum Vitae”).
  • Contact information for three professional references.


    • In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically 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. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
    For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
    Marci Sturek
    [email protected]
    Job Category Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
    Job Category (old) Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
    Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)
    Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No
    If Temporary, indicate end date
    Planned Hire Date
    Appointment End Date
    Organizational Location Default Location

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