Job Description

Overview
This position is based in Fullerton, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Nance, Boone, Merrick, Platte, Polk, Hamilton, and York Counties. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure track position. This is a livestock systems position that will focus on all facets of an integrated beef system and will develop co-learning engagements for clientele and stakeholders in the beef industry.

The agriculture sector is the greatest economic driver in Nebraska. The livestock sector is a major driver of the economy in Nebraska. Of the agriculture sector in Nebraska, beef cattle are the largest economic driver. Communities across Nebraska thrive when there is a robust, profitable economic livestock sector. Nebraska Extension\xe2\x80\x99s role is to catalyze opportunities for the livestock sector to make informed decisions that are supported by research. Nebraska Extension is a solution centric organization, so core to this role is the ability to engage producers and allied industry and commodity groups in learning and sharing opportunities. Expected outcomes include: 1) engagement strategies based on lasting and trusted relationships with livestock producers, leaders in the livestock industry, livestock allied industries, and commodity groups with ties to the livestock industry, 2) identify educational opportunities that result in better stewardship of resources and greater profitability that enhances quality of life, and 3) engage in education that result in solutions that encompass all components of beef production systems (natural resources, production management, and financial).

This livestock-focused education professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR as an effective scholar and citizen. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence and as a member of the Nebraska Extension team you are expected to create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their quality of life and stewardship of their resources. This position is a direct report to the Extension Program Leader for beef.

Nebraska Extension education professionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with the beef community in Nebraska and youth development organizations to encourage the adoption of research-based information when making decisions that impact beef production.
• Participates as part of a beef team (hub), composed of educators, specialists, other faculty, and industry leaders that focuses on current and strategizes on future needs of the beef industry that results in efficient and responsible beef production systems.
• Uses innovative strategies and innovative technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for robust statewide beef extension education programming.
• Delivers beef educational programming both statewide and within the assigned geographic region. Within their geographic region this position will also engage with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and develop and/or provide access to educational opportunities.
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Works with both University and non-University resources to help the beef community in Nebraska to formulate solutions that best fit the many different ecosystems in Nebraska.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program\xe2\x80\x99s resource base and reach.
• Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Practices effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise specific to beef and in extension pedagogy and andragogy.

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\xe2\x80\x99s 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 Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights 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\xe2\x80\x99s license.

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\xe2\x80\x99s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being 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://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination. Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree required in animal science, agronomy, natural resources, or a similar area of study with an emphasis in beef cattle systems. Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree must be completed by the start date.
• Successful experience teaching beef systems and/or range and pasture and other forages used in beef cattle systems in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Experience in beef systems \xe2\x80\x93 integrating beef cattle systems concepts and technologies into beef management.

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.

Posted Salary

How to Apply
Click \xe2\x80\x9cApply for this Job\xe2\x80\x9d and complete the information form. 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, 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.