Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator Water and Cropping Systems - Water Quality (statewide) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, NE

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems – Water Quality (statewide)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Do you have the drive to help us impact agricultural producers in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences for agricultural producers and businesses that result in improved agricultural water and cropping systems? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. 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.

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time Extension professional located in Lincoln, NE. This position will provide strong leadership for focused, comprehensive educational programs for excellence in water quality. The position will focus on issues related to surface and groundwater quality, current and emerging nonpoint source contaminants (e.g. nutrients, atrazine, PFAS, etc.), and watershed management. A primary role of this position will be to serve as a liaison between the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) Clean Water Act (CWA) 319 program and Nebraska Extension. This position will provide leadership for extension water quality education initiatives, develop and publish extension curricula and publications, host professional development workshops, participate in grant proposals for external funding, collaborate with other important contributors, and assess behavioral and conditional impacts of educational programs. Key collaborations include 1) NDEE staff engaged in CWA 319 program implementation, 2) Nebraska Extension teams, and 3) other University of Nebraska faculty engaged in water quality initiatives. Key target audiences for educational programs include Extension faculty and staff, other water quality and natural resources professionals within governmental and non-governmental organizations (e.g. NRCS, NRDs, etc.), and land managers. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team.

We want self-directed individuals who are able to work in a flexible environment. We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Water and Cropping Systems.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track, in-person position carries the title of Extension Instructor or Open Rank extension educator, depending on the candidate's level of education and experience. 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.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in water resources, natural resources, communications, education, environmental science, environmental or natural resources planning, biological systems engineering, agricultural leadership, hydrology, education and communication, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR master's degree in water resources, natural resources, communications, education, environmental science, environmental or natural resources planning, biological systems engineering, agricultural leadership, hydrology, education and communication, 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.
• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals as evidenced by career and/or community activities.
• Evidence of strong oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.

Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in a field identified above.
• Experience working with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Nebraska Extension, and/or other conservation organizations (governmental or non-governmental).
• Demonstrated experience with conservation, agricultural, and urban water quality programs in Nebraska.
• Outstanding leadership skills.
• Experience facilitating interactive processes, which include active listening, needs assessment, and co-creation.

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 November 20, 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_240162. Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty 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.

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.

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

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