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

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

Department NE Ext Engagement Zone 1-12350

Requisition Number F_250045

Posting Open Date 05/30/2025

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 07/01/2025

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

OVERVIEW

This position is based in Sidney, NE with the geographic accountability region of Cheyenne and Deuel Counties. The major responsibility of this position is to provide regional leadership for Nebraska Extension's 4-H and Youth Development Program. This extension professional is expected to interact closely with 4-H clientele in these communities and deliver programs in their geographic area.

The Positive Youth Development – 4-H extension professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America's largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence and as a member of the Nebraska Extension team you will create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of extension instructor or open rank extension educator, 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 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.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

-Uses innovative strategies and current technologies to support a robust 4-H youth education program designed to 1) inspire youth to be young leaders and stewards of their individual pathways 2) engage youth in learning experiences that allow them to strengthen their innovation and design thinking skills and practice those skills in real-life settings, and 3) support the development of entrepreneurial thinking and how that mindset can support their long-term goals. This includes a variety of engagement methods including out-of-school programs, special interest groups, 4-H clubs, school enrichment, and other creative strategies that engage youth.

-Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with young people and volunteers to apply research-based information.

-Delivers educational programming for youth development programming statewide and within the assigned geographic region. Within their geographic region the extension professional will also engage with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and provide access to educational opportunities.

-Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.

-Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program's resource base and reach.

-Partners with research faculty in action research that can be applied to educational programming.

-Practices effective Extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.

-Develops a professional development plan by teaching to enhance and maintain professional expertise in youth development and extension pedagogy.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)

-Serves in, contributes to, or supports the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at https://myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-description 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 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.

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 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. Consistent with the University's N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction 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.

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. See
https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum 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 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 (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
-Experience and demonstrated ability working with youth and youth organizations including understanding positive youth development and youth program management.

How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:
-A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
-Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as "Curriculum Vitae").
-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://ianr.unl.edu/guidance-applicant-statements-about-contributions-teams-or-groups/
for guidance in writing this statement.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Marci Sturek

msturek2@unl.edu
Job Category Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Category (old) Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No