Open Rank Extension Educator - Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems (Dodge County)

Working Title:

Open Rank Extension Educator - Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems (Dodge County)

Department:

Cooperative Ext Division-0788

Requisition Number:

F_220241

Posting Open Date:

12/21/2022

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

01/23/2023

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

OVERVIEWNebraska thrives when there are robust, thriving communities. Nebraska Extension’s role is to catalyze opportunities for communities and individuals within communities to make informed decisions that are supported by research. Nebraska Extension is a co-solution, development centric organization. Core to this role is the ability to engage clientele in learning and sharing opportunities. Expected outcomes include: 1) engagement strategies based on lasting and trusted relationships with clientele and associated business and industry leaders that positively impact communities, 2) identify educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources that enhances quality of life, and 3) engage in education that results in solutions that are sustainable and, where applicable, include a financial and well-being component.

A Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems Extension Educator will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR as an effective scholar and citizen. In Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems we educate and engage Nebraskans, from youth and home gardeners and homeowners to commercial growers, industry, partner organizations, volunteers, and local leaders and stakeholders that impact communities and sustainably manage community spaces.

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. Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Focused Expertise Assignment (Approximately 80% of time): Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental SystemsThis is a full-time, year-round, 12-month, non-tenured position based in Fremont, NE. This educator’s primary responsibility is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources in horticulture or relates fields. They will be an active participant in the Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems program and one or more of its focus teams, as well as other state-wide and multidisciplinary teams. This educator is expected to interact closely with individuals, homeowners, producers, institutions, and organizations working in communities to deliver programs in their geographic area as well as statewide, based on the intensions of the statewide team. This educator’s geographic region includes Dodge, Saunders, Washington, Burt, Cuming, Stanton, Wayne, Thurston, Dakota, and Dixon Counties. The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:

1. Use innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust statewide Extension education program in communities.
2. Engage in a collaborative-learning environment to encourage the adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
3. Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop multiple program/engagement platforms to engage with targeted audiences, measure program impact and report impact results in at least an annual activity report and when appropriate to Extension boards, County Commissioners/Supervisors and at professional meetings and in professional publications.
4. Be part of a team(s), composed of assistants, educators, specialists, other faculty, and industry leaders that focuses on current and strategizes on future needs of communities.
5. Deliver educational programming both within the assigned geographic region and statewide. Within their geographic region the educator will engage with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts, municipalities, allied organizations, and others) to determine needs and provide access to engagement opportunities.
6. Partner with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
7. Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with Extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
8. Use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the Extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
9. Develop a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise and Extension pedagogy.
10. Support the youth development program by teaching in areas related to Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems focused assignment.
11. Develop, maintain, or support a strong cadre of Extension master gardner volunteers throughout the region.

Organizational Citizenship/Lead Educator Role (approximately 20%):This position will serve in, contribute to, or support the Lead Educator role. This position will coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence. In this position the extension educator will:

• 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.

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 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, we see every person and every interaction 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required in Horticulture, Landscape Design/Management/Sustainability, Environmental Science, Horticulture Entomology, Fruit and Vegetable Production, Plant Health Care, or a closely related field. Master’s degree must be completed by start date.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience with and/or teaching urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience 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.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs including grant writing, fund generation, contracting and/or cost recovery efforts.
• Experience working with underserved audiences and/or communities.

Criminal History Background Check Required:

Yes

How to Apply:

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the 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.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

In addition, please complete the supplemental questions asked in the application. Please see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deibfor guidance in writing the statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Marci Sturek, [email protected]

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