Description of Work
OVERVIEW
This position is based in Lincoln, NE with a geographic accountability region including Lancaster, York, Seward, Otoe, and Cass Counties. The education professional’s primary responsibility is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources in horticulture or related fields. They will be an active participant in the Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems program and one or more of its focus teams, as well as other state-wide and multidisciplinary teams. They will be expected to interact closely with individuals, homeowners, producers, institutions, and organizations working in communities to deliver programs in their geographic area as well as statewide based on the intentions of the statewide team.

Nebraska thrives when there are robust, thriving communities. Nebraska Extension’s role is to catalyze opportunities for communities and individuals within communities to make informed decisions that are supported by research. Extension is a co-solution development centric organization. Core to this role is the ability to engage clientele in learning and sharing opportunities. Expected outcomes include: 1) engagement strategies based on lasting and trusted relationships with clientele and associated business and industry leaders that positively impact communities, 2) educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources that enhances quality of life, and 3) engagement in education that results in solutions that are sustainable and, where applicable, include a financial and well-being component.

The Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems 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. In Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems we educate and engage Nebraskans, from youth and home gardeners and homeowners to commercial growers, industry, partner organizations, and local leaders and stakeholders that impact communities and sustainably manage community spaces.

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 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.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)
Uses innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust statewide Extension education program in communities.
Engages in a collaborative learning environment to encourage the adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
Conducts need assessments, identifies priorities, develops multiple program/engagement platforms to engage with targeted audiences, measures program impact and reports impact results in at least an annual activity report and when appropriate to Extension boards, county commissioners/supervisors and at professional meetings and in professional publications.
Participates in teams composed of assistants, educators, specialists, other faculty, and industry leaders that focus on the current and future needs of communities.
Delivers educational programming both within the assigned geographic region and statewide. Within their geographic region, the extension professional will engage with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts, municipalities, allied organizations, and others) to determine needs and provide access to engagement opportunities.
Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other 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.
Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise and Extension pedagogy.
Supports the youth development program by teaching in areas related to Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems focused assignments.
Develops, maintains, or supports a strong cadre of Extension master gardener volunteers throughout the region.
Supervises the Lancaster County horticulture assistant/associate.

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 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.

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 horticulture, landscape design/management/sustainability, environmental science, horticulture entomology, fruit and vegetable production, plant health care, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape design/management/sustainability, environmental science, horticulture entomology, fruit and vegetable production, plant health care, 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 with and/or teaching urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.
Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.
Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs, including grant writing, fund generation, contracting, and/or cost recovery efforts.
Experience in supervisory roles.