Primary Duties

• Enhances knowledge, attitudes (beliefs and values), skills (capacity), and aspirations (motivation to act) among critical stakeholders (farmers, consultants, service providers, agencies, etc.) in the BGMA region to influence behaviors/practices that address water quality and quantity challenges in local cropping systems that lead to healthier outcomes in the BGMA.
• Collaborates closely with colleagues, regional, state, and federal agencies (e.g., Natural Resources Districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy), industry representatives, crop consultants, commodity groups, and crop producers to address water quality (groundwater contamination) and water quantity (irrigation water conservation) issues in the BGMA.
• Engages in a collaborative learning environment with stakeholders, including the BGMA Steering Committee and area Natural Resources District boards to increase the adoption of research-based information in decision-making and farming practices that improve water quality and water quantity management in the BGMA.
• Uses innovative strategies and contemporary teaching and learning methods to design, develop, and deliver programs that address water quality and quantity issues in agricultural production systems in the BGMA.
• Contributes to collection and interpretation of data to develop data driven, digital, and precision agriculture management strategies, and participates in and supports the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the program’s resources and to extend the reach and impact of these programs.
• Partners with UNL research and extension faculty to conduct applied field-based research that can be translated to educational programming and adopted by agricultural producers in the BGMA.identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at stakeholder meetings, professional meetings, in professional publications, and in online, print,
• Practices effective Extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifies priorities, measures program impact, and reports results at stakeholder meetings, professional meetings, in professional publications, and in online, print and social media channels.
• Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in Water and Cropping Systems, especially water and nutrient management, and extension pedagogy.
• Supports occasional youth development programs by teaching in areas related to ground water quality and quantity.

• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s), Lead Educators, 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 region.
  • 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 Extension Boards, County Boards, Program Advisory Teams, 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.

Compensation Details

This twelve-month, non-tenure track 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 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. If a master’s degree is obtained prior to the end of the five-year period, the incumbent will be eligible for an appointment as an assistant extension educator. As part of Nebraska’s 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

How to Apply