OVERVIEW
This twelve-month, non-tenure track position is based in Ainsworth, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Brown, Rock, and Keya Paha 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. 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. Because Nebraska Extension is a solution-centric organization, the ability to engage producers and allied industry and commodity groups in learning and sharing opportunities is core to this role. Expected outcomes include:
- 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.
- Educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources and greater profitability that enhances quality of life.
- 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.
This 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 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%):
- Exemplifies positive and professional behavior and attitude towards colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
- Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that have significant reach, engagement, and impact in your county, accountability region, and, as appropriate, statewide and nationally.
- Establishes and sustains a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
- Employs innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a strong Extension education program/engagement at the county, accountability region, and statewide levels.
- Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning and problem-solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research-based decision-making information.
- Deliberately engages and works closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your Extension responsibilities.
- Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., health and wellbeing, and community) that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
- Shows robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and other internal and external partners to translate and convey the latest research-based information.
- Engages local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high-priority issues where Extension is particularly well positioned to contribute.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration with local, regional and statewide leaders that nurtures and strengthens positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the people we serve.
- Employs entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing Extension’s program reach and impact.
- Creates ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
- Leads and contributes value to high-performing Extension programming teams.
- Engages in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to your role.
- Supports youth development programs by contributing to areas related to your specific assignment.
- Conducts need assessments, identifies priorities, develops various program and engagement platforms to connect with a variety of audiences, measure program impact, and report the results in your annual report as well as to Extension boards, County Commissioners and Supervisors, State Senators, key stakeholders, at professional meetings, and in professional and Extension publications when appropriate.
- Educators will collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, Extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders within their accountability region to assess needs and offer access to engagement opportunities through various platforms (e.g., focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, etc.).
- Participates in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, other staff or faculty, industry, and community leaders. These teams focus on current or future needs or strengths and strategize in program areas where you contribute.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region that nurtures and builds positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities we serve.
- Cultivates open and welcoming learning environments.
- Completes PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
- Fulfills annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.
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 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 by
- Cooperating 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 Opportunity 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 collaboration and participation in teams 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, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing 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.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in animal science, agronomy, natural resources, or similar field with an emphasis in beef cattle systems (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy, natural resources, or similar field with an emphasis in beef cattle systems (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
- Experience in beef systems – integrating beef cattle systems concepts and technologies into beef management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful experience teaching beef systems and/or range and pasture and other forages used in beef cattle systems in a formal or non-formal setting.
- Experience in 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.
