Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems-BGMA
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Working Title:

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems-BGMA

Department:

NE Ext Engagement Zone 5-12354

Requisition Number:

F_240173

Posting Open Date:

10/29/2024

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):

12/02/2024

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

Overview
This position will be based in northeast Nebraska as part of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District, and Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District. The primary focus will be on the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) located in Antelope, Knox, and Pierce Counties in northeast Nebraska.
Responsibilities include developing and delivering water and cropping systems extension programming that: a) improves profitability and sustainability, b) reduces environmental risk, and c) encourages stewardship and enhances resiliency. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team.

Specific overarching desired outcomes in the BGMA include 1) establishing strong, trusted, and impactful connections and relationships with BGMA farmers, agribusinesses, and agencies serving this region, and funding stakeholder organizations, 2) developing a robust field-size on-farm research program to advance and evaluate nitrogen and irrigation water best management practices, 3) demonstrating measurable progress toward reduced nitrogen fertilizer loss to groundwater, 4) establishing a plan and process to study agronomic practice behavioral science among producers and influencers, and 5) securing continued funding to support research and education efforts in the BGMA. The incumbent will lead a collaborative effort among Nebraska Extension, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District, and the Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District, to achieve the stated and evolving outcomes.

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.

This twelve-month, non-tenure 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. 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 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 90%):

• 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 10%):

• 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.Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, mechanized agricultural systems, natural resources, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR master's degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, mechanized agricultural systems, natural resources, 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.
• Field experience in production agriculture with an emphasis on cropping systems, especially corn production, relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Evidence of strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by roles in career and/or college activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Evidence of outstanding leadership, organization, team building, and collaboration skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in influencing change in the agriculture sector.
• Experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting
• Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs, including grant writing, fund generation, contracting, and/or cost recovery efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.

Work Location (City, State):

Northeast, NE

Criminal History Background Check Required:

Yes

How to Apply:

Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
2. Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as "Curriculum Vitae").
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 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.For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu

Job Category:

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Category (old):

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type:

12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?:

No

Organizational Location:

Default Location

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