Working Title:

Open Rank Extension Educator - Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (Eastern NE)

Department:

Cooperative Ext Division-0788

Requisition Number:

F_210170

Posting Open Date:

10/13/2021

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

11/19/2021

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

Overview:The four positions will be based in the following towns, serving the listed counties, which contribute significantly to Nebraska’s agricultural economy.

• Columbus, NE – serving Platte, Boone, and Nance Counties
• Schuyler, NE – serving Colfax, Cuming and Stanton Counties
• Fremont, NE - serving Dodge and Washington Counties
• Lincoln, NE – serving Lancaster, Cass, and Otoe Counties

Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (WICS) extension programming that: a) improves profitability and sustainability; b) reduces environmental risk; c) encourages stewardship; d) enhances resiliency; and e) expands consumer awareness of food, forage, grain, and fiber. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the state-wide WICS team.
Water and Integrated Cropping Systems Educator (0.80 FTE):

• Collaborates closely with colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and crop producers to address agronomic and management issues in diverse cropping systems.
• Develops, delivers, and measures impacts of programs and engagements regarding rainfed and irrigated crop production systems in Nebraska.
• Participates in collection and interpretation of data to develop data driven, digital, and precision agricultural management strategies for clientele.
• Uses innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for a robust extension education program focused on water and integrated cropping production systems within the assigned geographic region, and as a member of the statewide WICS Team.
• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with crop producers and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
• Participates in and supports the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network.
• Identifies needs and provides access to educational opportunities within the assigned geographic region, working with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts and local commodity associations).
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
• Partners with research faculty members in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Conducts needs assessments, identifies priorities, measures program impact, and reports results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in cropping systems and extension pedagogy.
• Supports youth development programs by teaching in areas related to WICS.

Organizational Citizenship/Lead Educator Role (approximately 0.20 FTE): 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.

• Serve in the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at https://myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-description as determined in partnership with the supervisor(s).
• 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.

The incumbent accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Nebraska Extension Educators 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 (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

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 Nebraska 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required (completed prior to the start date) in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Mechanization, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related field.
• Field experience in production agriculture with emphasis in cropping systems.
• Experience in working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems; additional experience with cover crop or forage management and working with absentee landowners.
• Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs including securing grants and contracts, as well as cost recovery efforts.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Experience in the development and implementation of social media communication and education, including managing website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter accounts for a professional organization.

Criminal History Background Check Required:

Yes

How to Apply:

Click “Apply to 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 about the value you place on diversity 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).

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Jodi Mackin, 402-469-0273, jmackin1@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