Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development (Merrick County)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Do you have the drive to help us make a positive difference in young people's lives? Do you have the drive to help us create engaging learning opportunities for youth and adult volunteers? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused learning experiences that inspire young people to be leaders while helping them achieve their potential? 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 field. You will work with high performing teams to create and deliver world class, 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 Central City, NE. This position's primary responsibility is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources within the geographic accountability region of Merrick and Hamilton Counties.

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.

We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension at Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – 4-H Youth Development.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor's degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards 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 (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with youth and youth organizations, including understanding positive youth development and youth program management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working as a team, displaying strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience/training in the recruitment, training, mentoring, and management of volunteers.
• Experience and ability to engage audiences from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
• Ability to speak language(s) in addition to English; Spanish preferred.

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 temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

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 well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Application Process Review of applications will begin September 30, 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_260086. 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.

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 the Notice of Nondiscrimination.

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