Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Livestock Systems (Johnson Co.)

Description of Work

OVERVIEW This position is based in Tecumseh, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Johnson, Pawnee, Richardson, and Nemaha Counties.

This is a Livestock Systems extension professional position that will focus on all facets of an integrated livestock system and will develop co-learning engagements for clientele and stakeholders in the beef and / or small ruminant industry.

The agriculture sector is the greatest economic driver in Nebraska. The livestock sector is a major driver of the economy in Nebraska.

Of the agriculture sector in Nebraska, beef cattle are the largest economic driver. Communities across Nebraska thrive when there is a robust, profitable economic livestock sector.

Nebraska Extension’s role is to catalyze opportunities for the livestock sector to make informed decisions that are supported by research.

Nebraska Extension is a solution-centric organization, so core to this role is the ability to engage producers and allied industry and commodity groups in learning and sharing opportunities.

Expected outcomes include 1) engagement strategies based on lasting and trusted relationships with livestock producers, leaders in the livestock industry, livestock allied industries, and commodity groups with ties to the livestock industry, 2) educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources and greater profitability that enhances quality of life, and 3) engagement in education that results in solutions that encompass all components of livestock production systems (natural resources, production management, and financial).

This livestock-focused extension professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR as an effective scholar and citizen.

Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence, and as a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you are expected to create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their quality of life and stewardship of their resources.

This position is a direct report to the Extension program area leader for Livestock Systems.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.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with the livestock community in Nebraska and youth development organizations to encourage the adoption of research-based information when making decisions that impact livestock production.
• Participates as part of a beef team (hub), composed of educators, specialists, other faculty, and industry leaders that focuses on current and strategizes on future needs of the beef industry that results in efficient and responsible beef production systems.
• Uses innovative strategies and innovative technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for robust statewide livestock extension education programming.
• Delivers livestock educational programming both statewide and within the assigned geographic region. Within their geographic region this position will also engage with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and develop and / or provide access to educational opportunities.
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Works with both University and non-University resources to help the livestock community in Nebraska to formulate solutions that best fit the many different ecosystems in Nebraska.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
• Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Practices effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise specific to beef and in extension pedagogy and andragogy.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP / LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)

• Serves in, contributes to, or supports the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at as determined in partnership with the supervisor(s).
• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence byCooperating 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.

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 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 university’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.

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 , we see every person and every interaction 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