Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator

Livestock Systems (Johnson County)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Do you have the drive to help make a positive difference in livestock production in Nebraska, including beef cattle and/or small ruminants? Can you develop, deliver, and determine the impact of comprehensive programming that includes integrating current technologies and management concepts into livestock production systems? Do you have experience in teaching livestock production and management strategies and/or use of feed/forages (range and pasture, residues, secondary forage crops, others) in livestock systems? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators.

We have an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Tecumseh, Nebraska. This position will focus on livestock systems with an emphasis on livestock production and management strategies or the use of feed/forages (range and pasture, residues, secondary forage crops, others) in livestock systems. This position will be an active participant in the Nebraska Integrated Livestock Team and serve a geographic area that includes Saline, Jefferson, Gage, Johnson, Pawnee, Richards, and Nemaha Counties. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high-performing teams to create and deliver world-class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. 

We invite you to learn more about this role and Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Livestock Systems. 

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. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the 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, 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.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin September 12, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_240114. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions, 2) your curriculum vitae, and 3) 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 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.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy, natural resources, or a similar field with an emphasis in livestock systems – beef cattle and/or small ruminants (extension instructor) OR master’s degree in animal science, agronomy, natural resources, or a similar field with an emphasis in livestock systems – beef cattle and/or small ruminants (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.
• Experience teaching livestock systems and/or range and pasture and other forages used in livestock systems in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience in the field of livestock systems – integrating systems concepts and technologies into livestock management.