Working Title:

Open Rank Extension Educator - Food, Nutrition, and Health (Morrill County)

Department:

NE Ext Engagement Zone 1-12350

Requisition Number:

F_230079

Posting Open Date:

05/02/2023

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

06/05/2023

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

OVERVIEWThis position is based in Bridgeport, NE with the geographic accountability region of Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Banner, Kimball, Cheyenne, Garden, and Deuel Counties. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track position. The focus for this education professional is Food, Nutrition & Health (FNH) with an expected demonstrated expertise in obesity prevention, nutrition, and health behavior change, and creating environments supportive of well-being and food systems. The target audience is ages 0-18 and the adults in families, communities, and environments who influence those ages. The outcomes of this focused extension professional include 1) Individual behavior patterns and environments that reduce youth obesity and improve human well-being and 2) A safe and diverse food supply with choices/access for people focused on health. Health behavior change and translation of research should be evident in their primary responsibility of program development and delivery.

Nebraska faces the challenges of high prevalence of obesity, foodborne illness, and disparities in food access and health status. Addressing interrelated determinants is key to improving health, well-being, health disparities, and quality of life. The Food, Nutrition & Health extension professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR as a scholar and citizen in community engagement and healthy humans. In human sciences, we believe in purposeful integration of disciplines to solve important issues challenging individuals, communities, and society. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence. 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 lives.

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 (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.
PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Uses innovative strategies and current technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust statewide extension education FNH program in their geographic area as well as statewide based on the intentions of the statewide interest group and issue-based teams.
• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with FNH, health professionals, schools, and communities to encourage the adoption of research-based information on obesity prevention, well-being, and food systems.
• Engages with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and provide access to educational opportunities.
• Works in an inter-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals, researchers, and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
• Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Practices effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise in obesity prevention, health and well-being, individual and community food systems, and extension pedagogy.

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 found at https://myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-description 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 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, we see every person and every interaction 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:

• Master’s degree required in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences, Dietetics, Nutrition Education, Public Health, or a closely related field. Master’s degree must be completed by the start date.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Dietitian (RD), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Community Health Education Specialist.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in nutrition or health related field.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
• 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.
• Ability to speak language(s) other than English; Spanish preferred.

Work Location (City, State):

Bridgeport, NE

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, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically 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. 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