Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator Agricultural Profitability
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: Scotts Bluff County - Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Application Deadline: 2026-11-30
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Agricultural Profitability (Scotts Bluff County)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Do you have the drive to help us impact agricultural producers in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences that result in strengthening farmers’ and ranchers’ strategic management of profit and risk, and improve marketing decisions? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit 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 Scottsbluff, Nebraska with an accountability region including Scotts Bluff, Box Butte, Dawes, Sioux, Sheridan, Kimball, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Blaine, Thomas, Garden, Deuel, Cheyenne, Morrill, and Banner Counties. The position will focus on integrating economic analyses that strengthen farmers’ and ranchers’ strategic management of profit and risk and improve marketing decisions. They will be a contributing member of an integrated team that will coordinate and teach agricultural systems economic programming in Nebraska locally and state-wide to: a) improve profitability and sustainability; b) enhance resiliency to cyclical swings in production input costs and market prices; c) expand producer awareness and confidence in using risk and strategic management tools; and d) assist livestock and crop producers in applying financial management and marketing strategies that will enable them to improve their economic decision making.
We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Agricultural Profitability.
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.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in agricultural economics or closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics or 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.
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders in writing, orally, or online media.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of the development and use of enterprise budgeting techniques, farm and ranch production recordkeeping, or financial management systems.
- Familiarity with livestock or crop production systems in Nebraska.
- Experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting, for students, adults, and/or stakeholders focused on the economics of agricultural production.
- Commitment to developing and delivering programming for broad audiences.
- Understanding of, or experience in, developing and delivering extension programs focused on farm management issues.
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 a temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.
Application Process
Review of applications will begin November 30, 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_260129. Click “Apply for this Job,” complete the faculty information form, and attach the following documents:
- A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
- Your curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three professional references.
In addition, please complete the required supplemental question(s) within the application, 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.
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 Notice of Nondiscrimination.