Farm Ranch Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems (Platte Co.)
Department
NE Ext Engagement Zone 7-12356
Requisition Number
F_260070
Posting Open Date
06/24/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
07/24/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Overview
This position is based in Columbus, NE with the geographic accountability region of Platte, Boone, and Nance counties. The educator serves as a trusted, research-based educational leader connecting the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the agricultural industry, and Nebraska communities through practical, science-based extension programming and applied research.
Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering impactful water and cropping systems extension programming that: a) improves agricultural profitability and sustainability, b) reduces environmental risk, c) encourages natural resources stewardship, d) enhances agricultural resiliency, and e) expands public understanding of food, forage, grain, and fiber production systems.
The educator translates complex research into practical, solution-based educational experiences for diverse audiences including farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, community leaders, and the general public. Educational delivery methods may include workshops, field demonstrations, applied research trials, digital resources, consultations, media outreach, and collaborative partnerships.
As a member of the statewide Water and Cropping Systems team, the educator actively contributes to the development of innovative, research-based resources and interdisciplinary solutions addressing current and emerging agricultural challenges for their assigned region and across Nebraska. The position requires collaboration with university faculty, extension colleagues, industry partners, agencies, and local stakeholders to identify needs and deliver responsive programming.
The educator is expected to maintain a visible and engaged presence within the communities they serve and become a recognized first source of trusted, unbiased agricultural information. Success in this role requires strong teaching and communication skills, community engagement, relationship building, leadership in agricultural education, and the ability to foster meaningful partnerships that support Nebraska agriculture and rural communities.
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 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%)

• Exemplifies positive and professional behavior and attitude towards colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that have significant reach, engagement, and impact in your county, accountability region, and, as appropriate, statewide and nationally.
• Establishes and sustains a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
• Employs innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a strong Extension education program/engagement at the county, accountability region, and statewide levels.
• Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning and problem-solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research-based decision-making information.
• Deliberately engages and works closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your Extension responsibilities.
• Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., on-farm, ranch, or community) that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Shows robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and other internal and external partners to translate and convey the latest research-based information.
• Engages local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high-priority issues where Extension is particularly well positioned to contribute.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration with local, regional and statewide leaders that nurtures and strengthens positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the people we serve.
• Employs entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing Extension's program reach and impact.
• Creates ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
• Leads and contributes value to high-performing Extension programming teams.
• Engages in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to your role.
• Supports youth development programs by contributing to areas related to your specific assignment.
• Conducts need assessments, identifies priorities, develops various program and engagement platforms to connect with a variety of audiences, measure program impact, and report the results in your annual report as well as to Extension boards, County Commissioners and Supervisors, State Senators, key stakeholders, at professional meetings, and in professional and Extension publications when appropriate.
  • Educators will collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, Extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders within their accountability region to assess needs and offer access to engagement opportunities through various platforms (e.g., focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, etc.).
  • Participates in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, other staff or faculty, industry, and community leaders. These teams focus on current or future needs or strengths and strategize in program areas where you contribute.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region that nurtures and builds positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities we serve.
• Cultivates open and welcoming learning environments.
• Completes PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfills annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

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 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
  o Cooperating with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension's educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
  o Cultivating a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
  o 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. At IANR we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing 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.
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 https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum 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 toward and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period.
• Demonstrated knowledge of production agriculture, cropping systems, water management and irrigation, agronomics, precision/digital agriculture, and/or agricultural sustainability.
• Strong teaching, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to translate research-based information into practical educational programming for diverse audiences in formal and/or non-formal educational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver educational programs, outreach activities, applied training programs, and educational content through presentations, publications, digital resources, web-based platforms, and/or social media.
• Ability to work collaboratively with producers, Extension specialists, industry partners, community stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting or supporting applied research, on-farm trials, validation studies, demonstration projects, and/or irrigation management activities that improve water use efficiency, crop productivity, and agricultural sustainability.
• Experience in Nebraska agriculture or familiarity with Great Plains cropping systems, irrigation practices, and agricultural production systems.
• Demonstrated experience with precision agriculture, digital agriculture technologies, data-driven decision tools, and/or emerging agricultural technologies used in modern agricultural systems.
• Experience developing partnerships and collaborating with producers, commodity organizations, NRDs, agribusinesses, schools, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders to support educational programming and outreach.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities through professional, academic, Extension, industry, and/or community involvement.
• Successful experience securing grants, sponsorships, contracts, external funding, cost-recovery opportunities, or other financial support for educational programs and initiatives.

Work Location (City, State)
Columbus, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
2. Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as "Curriculum Vitae").
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.
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
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location