Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator Health and Wellbeing (Hamilton County)

Do you have the drive to help us positively impact the health and wellbeing of Nebraskans? Can you engage individuals, families, and communities through research-based education, partnerships, and community-based approaches that help people live healthier, safer, and more resilient lives? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and Extension faculty who are leaders in their fields. You will work with high-performing teams to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Aurora, NE, with a geographic accountability region of Hamilton, Merrick, Clay, Nuckolls, Thayer, and Fillmore Counties. The Health & Wellbeing Extension Educator will identify local and regional needs, connect Nebraskans with the resources, research, and innovation of the University of Nebraska, and provide programming that creates meaningful and measurable impact. The successful candidate will deliver and contribute to educational programs that address identified needs of individuals, families, and communities and align with current Health & Wellbeing program area priorities. Priority areas may include nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease prevention and management, mental wellbeing, food science and safety, food and nutrition security, and approaches that create healthier communities. The educator will collaborate with Extension professionals, University faculty and specialists, community organizations, healthcare and public health partners, and other local and statewide partners to translate research into practice, expand access to trusted educational resources, and increase the reach and impact of health and wellbeing programming across the lifespan.

We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension at Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Health and Wellbeing.

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 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.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, health promotion, nutrition and health sciences, exercise and health sciences, dietetics, nutrition education, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in public health, health promotion, nutrition and health sciences, exercise and health sciences, dietetics, nutrition education, or a 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.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
• Experience working collaboratively with individuals, organizations, and community partners to accomplish individual and/or group goals.
• Demonstrated leadership skills through college, career, and/or community activities.
• Knowledge and/or experience in a health and wellbeing related field.
• Professional credential or certification relevant to health and wellbeing, such as Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), or another relevant credential or certification.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams 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, 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.

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

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.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin October 5, 2026, and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, visit UNL Employment, requisition F_260087. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty 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 describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. See our Guide for Applicant Statements for guidance in writing this statement.