Job Details
EEO Statement:
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination
Working Title:
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Ag Profitability (Scotts Bluff Co.)
Department:
NE Ext Engagement Zone 1-12350
Requisition Number:
F_260129
Posting Open Date:
10/28/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):
11/30/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Description of Work
This position is based in Scottsbluff, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Dawes, Sioux, Sheridan, Kimball, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Blaine, Thomas, Garden, Deuel, Cheyenne, Morrill, and Banner Counties. This position is part of a team of agricultural economists working throughout Nebraska addressing issues of local, regional, and statewide importance to ranchers and farmers. Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering a coordinated, proactive and effective extension program in Nebraska in livestock and crop production system economics, that: a) improves profitability and sustainability, b) enhances resiliency to cyclical swings in production input costs and market prices, c) expands producer awareness and confidence in using risk and strategic management tools, and d) assists livestock and crop producers in applying financial management and marketing strategies that will enable them to improve their economic decision making. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based scholarly resources as a member of the state-wide Agricultural Economics/Farm and Ranch Management team and a key member of the Center for Agricultural Profitability (CAP).
Programmatic Responsibilities (approximately 80%):
- Exemplifies positive and professional behavior and attitude towards colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
- Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that have significant reach, engagement, and impact in your county, accountability region, and, as appropriate, statewide and nationally.
- Establishes and sustains a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
- Employs innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a strong Extension education program/engagement at the county, accountability region, and statewide levels.
- Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning and problem-solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research-based decision-making information.
- Deliberately engages and works closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your Extension responsibilities.
- Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., on-farm/ranch, business, or community) that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
- Shows robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and other internal and external partners to translate and convey the latest research-based information.
- Engages local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high-priority issues where Extension is particularly well positioned to contribute.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration with local, regional and statewide leaders that nurtures and strengthens positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the people we serve.
- Employs innovative, revenue-generating practices to secure funding and develop partnerships that expand Extension program’s reach and impact.
- Creates ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
- Leads and contributes value to high-performing Extension programming teams.
- Engages in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to your role.
- Supports youth development programs by contributing to areas related to your specific assignment.
- Conducts need assessments, identifies priorities, develops various program and engagement platforms to connect with a variety of audiences, measure program impact, and report the results in your annual report as well as to Extension boards, County Commissioners and Supervisors, State Senators, key stakeholders, at professional meetings, and in professional and Extension publications when appropriate.
- Educators will collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, Extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders within their accountability region to assess needs and offer access to engagement opportunities through various platforms (e.g., focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, etc.).
- Participates in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, other staff or faculty, industry, and community leaders. These teams focus on current or future needs or strengths and strategize in program areas where you contribute.
- Fosters a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region that nurtures and builds positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities we serve.
- Cultivates open and welcoming learning environments.
- Completes PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
- Fulfills annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.
Organizational Citizenship (approximately 20%):
- Contributes to and supports the Lead Educator as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document 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 the 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 Opportunity 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.
This twelve-month, non-tenure track 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 towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. 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.
Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.
Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact and a sense of belonging, the IANR and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing 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 a temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in agricultural economics or closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics or closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period.
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders in writing, orally, or online media.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the development and use of enterprise budgeting techniques, farm and ranch production recordkeeping, or financial management systems.
- Familiarity with livestock or crop production systems in Nebraska.
- Experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting, for students, adults, and/or stakeholders focused on the economics of agricultural production.
- Commitment to developing and delivering programming for broad audiences.
- Understanding of, or experience in, developing and delivering extension programs focused on farm management issues.
Work Location (City, State):
Scottsbluff, NE
Criminal History Background Check Required:
Yes
How to Apply:
Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty information form, and attach:
- A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
- Your curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three professional references.
In addition, please complete the required supplemental question(s) within the application, one specifically describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:
Marci Sturek
[contact details available in the full listing]
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
