Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator Water and Cropping Systems – Dodge County

Do you have a passion for agriculture, possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in agronomy or a related field, and a desire to work directly with producers, communities, and research? Nebraska Extension is seeking an extension professional based in Fremont, NE to serve Dodge, Cuming, and Washington Counties. This position provides regional leadership in developing and delivering innovative, research-based programs focused on precision agriculture, water management, and cropping systems to support agricultural profitability, sustainability, and resilience.

This Extension professional will collaborate with university faculty, producers, and industry partners to translate research into practical, solution-based learning experiences and applied research efforts. As part of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team, this role contributes to impactful programming that addresses key agronomic and management challenges facing Nebraska agriculture.

We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Water and Cropping Systems.

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 (5) years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of Nebraska’s 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 agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop science, plant sciences, 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.
• Demonstrated ability to connect and engage with local farmers, agribusiness, and colleagues through relationships, programming, and service.
• Field experience in production agriculture with an emphasis on cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using precision agriculture strategies to address diverse cropping systems relevant to Nebraska agriculture.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Successful experience 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.

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 wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin October 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_260107. 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 or resume, and 3) contact information for three (3) 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 https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.