Extension Instructor - Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time professional located in Omaha, NE. This statewide position’s responsibility is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources within the primary geographic accountability region of Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. The focus of this position will be Horticulture, Landscapes, and Environmental Systems with a strong focus on Urban Agriculture and Local Foods. The education professional will develop, deliver, and impact educational programs and resources as an active participant in Nebraska Extension.

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 toward 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

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, crop sciences, urban agriculture, local food systems, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in agronomy, horticulture, crop sciences, urban agriculture, local food systems, or a closely related field (extension educator). 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.
• Practical knowledge, understanding, and experience working in urban agriculture and/or local food system communities that are similar and/or relevant to Nebraska.
• Experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e. publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching urban agriculture or related areas.
• Experience with collecting and analyzing data.
• Experience managing and coordinating community groups, volunteers, interns, and/or staff.
• Leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs.

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, every person and every interaction are treated 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.

Application Process

Review of applications begins May 17, 2024 and continues until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, visit us online, look for requisition F_240056. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the 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 diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. 

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.