Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator Water and Cropping Systems – Adams County
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: Hastings, NE
Application Deadline: 2026-07-01
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Water and Cropping Systems – Adams County
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Nebraska Extension is seeking an extension professional based in Hastings, NE, to serve Adams, Franklin, Kearney, and Webster 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 Educator/Instructor 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 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.
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 July 1, 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_260059. 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.
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/.