Position Summary
Position Description
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development (Dawson County)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Do you have the drive to help us make a positive difference in young people’s lives? Do you have the drive to help us create engaging learning opportunities for youth and adult volunteers? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused learning experiences that inspire young people to be leaders while helping them achieve their potential? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a 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.
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.
We have an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Lexington, Nebraska, and serving Dawson and Custer Counties in Nebraska. The focus of this position will be 4-H Youth Development. This extension professional will demonstrate expertise in positive youth development through engagement with youth, training staff and volunteers, and partnerships with other organizations and departments. They will develop, coordinate, and deliver a robust youth development program using a variety of methods, including out-of-school programs, special interest groups, 4-H clubs, school enrichment, and other creative strategies that engage youth. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment.
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.
We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension (unl.edu) and Nebraska Extension – 4-H Youth Development – YouTube.
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 will begin May 24, 2024 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_240021. 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 or resume; 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. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in youth development, education, 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. • 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 in working with youth and youth organizations, including an understanding of positive youth development and youth program management.
Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated experience working as a team, displaying strong leadership and organizational skills. • Demonstrated experience/training in the recruitment, training, mentoring, and management of volunteers. • Experience and ability to engage diverse and under-served audiences. • Ability to speak language(s) other than English. Spanish preferred.
Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?
yes
Application Instructions
To apply, visit: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/90839
Equal Employer Statement(s)
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://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.