Open Rank Extension Educator - Beef Systems (Webster County)

Cooperative Ext Division-0788

F_210044

04/12/2021

11/03/2021

Yes

OVERVIEW:
Agriculture is the #1 industry in Nebraska. Beef cattle production represents the largest segment of the industry. It’s the engine that powers the state’s economy with over $6.5 billion in cattle sales each year. Nebraska ranks #1 nationally in beef and veal exports ($1.3 trillion) and commercial cattle harvest. Cash receipts from ranch/feedlot/farm generate $21 billion to Nebraska’s economy. The top 5 agriculture commodities (in order) are cattle and calves, corn, soybeans, hogs, and wheat. Nebraska has 23 million acres of range and pastureland. Communities across Nebraska thrive when there is a robust, profitable economic beef sector. Nebraska Extension’s role is to catalyze opportunities for the beef sector to make informed decisions that are supported by research. Expected outcomes include: 1) engagement strategies based on lasting and trusted relationships with beef producers, leaders in the beef industry, beef allied industries, and commodity groups with ties to the beef industry, 2) identify educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources and greater profitability that enhances quality of life, and 3) engage in education that results in solutions that encompass all components of beef production systems (natural resources, production management, and financial). These educational programs will lend to a robust livestock industry and wildlife population, and quality of life that will result in thriving rural communities. This Beef Focused Educator will contribute to the Integrated (extension, research, and teaching) Beef Systems Team and the land-grant mission of IANR as a scholar and citizen and values excellence.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES:
Focused Assignment: Integrated Beef Systems (approximately 80% of time): This is a 12-month, non-tenured faculty position. This educator’s office will be in Red Cloud, NE in Webster County. This educator’s primary responsibility is to develop, deliver, and evaluate impact of educational programs and develop solution-based resources as an active participant in the state-wide Integrated Beef Systems Team and serve an accountability area that includes Kearney, Adams, Franklin, Webster, Clay, Fillmore, Nuckolls, and Thayer counties located in southcentral Nebraska.

Expectations and Subject Matter Focus: This educator is expected to collaborate closely with colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and livestock producers to strategize and deliver management strategies on the goals and objectives of the Nebraska Integrated Beef Systems Team. This educator will develop, deliver, and measure impact on programs and engagements regarding topics that include: integrating the current technologies in ruminant nutrition, beef genetics, and reproduction into beef operations and planning resiliency to drought into grass and forage based beef systems in Nebraska. In addition, the educator will know how to collect, interpret, and develop management strategies related to the topics centered in data driven/precision livestock management.

In this position the Educator will:
1. Engage in a collaborative-learning environment with the beef community in Nebraska and youth development organizations to encourage the adoption of research-based information when making decisions that impact beef production.
2. Be part of a beef team (hub), composed of educators, specialists, departmental 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.
3. Use innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for robust statewide beef extension education programming.
4. Deliver beef educational programming both statewide and within the assigned geographic region. Within their geographic region the educator will also engage with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and develop and/or provide access to educational opportunities.
5. Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
6. Work with both University and non-University resources to help the beef community in Nebraska to formulate solutions that best fit the many different ecosystems in Nebraska.
7. Use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
8. Partner with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
9. Practice effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
10. Develop a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise specific to beef and in extension andragogy.

Organizational Citizenship/Lead Educator Role (approximately 20%):
Serve in, contribute to, or support the Lead Educator role. Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
• Cooperate with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
• Support engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understand and adhere to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
• Serve in the following Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at https://myextension.unl.edu/ (Letters A through K).

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept 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. Criminal history background check will be conducted.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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 http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

• Master’s degree required in animal science or agronomy with an emphasis in Pasture, Range, Forage and Grazing Systems, Ruminant Nutrition, or Beef Cattle Reproduction, or closely related field. Master’s degree must be completed by start date.
• Successful experience teaching beef and grassland systems topics in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e. publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience in beef systems – integrating livestock with pasture/range, forages, crop residues.

• 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.

Yes

Click “Apply for this Job” or sign on and complete or review existing Information Form. Attach the following documents:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of three professional references
• Transcripts (official or unofficial) or grade report listing courses taken, the institution where they were taken and final grade. Transcripts must be attached to the online application (as “Other Document”) or attached to an email and sent to jmackin1@unl.edu. Please redact your social security number before you send or upload your transcripts/grade report.

Jodi Mackin, 402-469-0273, jmackin1@unl.edu

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

12 Month (Faculty Only)

No