Extension Instructor or Extension Educator - Water & Cropping Systems; Platte

Overview

Position is based in Columbus, NE with accountability region of Platte, Boone, and Nance counties. The educator serves as a trusted research‑based educational leader connecting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the agricultural industry, and Nebraska communities through practical, science‑based extension programming and applied research.

Primary responsibilities include developing and delivering impactful water and cropping systems extension programming that improves agricultural profitability, reduces environmental risk, encourages stewardship, enhances resilience, and expands public understanding of food production systems. The educator translates research into practical, solution‑based educational experiences for diverse audiences via workshops, field demonstrations, trials, digital resources, consultations, media outreach, and partnerships. The educator actively contributes to innovative, research‑based resources and interdisciplinary solutions for the region and across Nebraska, collaborating with university faculty, extension colleagues, industry, agencies, and stakeholders to identify needs and deliver responsive programming.

Expected to maintain a visible presence, become a trusted first source of unbiased agricultural information. Success requires strong teaching, communication, community engagement, relationship building, leadership, and partnership fostering.

Title:

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator – Water & Cropping Systems (Platte Co.)

Department: NE Ext Engagement Zone 7-12356

Requisition Number: F_260070

Posting Open Date: 06/24/2026 – Posting Close Date: 07/24/2026

Appointment:
Twelve‑month, non‑tenure track. Open rank for graduate‑level holders; instructor for bachelor’s holders with requirement to obtain master’s within 5 years.

Benefits:
Tuition remission up to 15 credit hours per year.

• Exemplify positive professional behavior and attitude.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products with significant reach.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional client base and programming portfolio.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs at county, region, and statewide levels.
• Engage and teach in a collaborative learning environment, encouraging research‑based decision‑making.
• Deliberately partner with Extension specialists to fulfill responsibilities.
• Collaborate with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Show robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and partners.
• Engage local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high‑priority issues.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local, regional, and statewide leaders to strengthen relationships.
• Employ entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing program reach and impact.
• Create ongoing programming revenue supporting the viability of units and the System.
• Lead and contribute value to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in personal and professional development opportunities.
• Support youth development programs.
• Conduct needs assessments, identify priorities, develop program platforms, measure impact, and report results to stakeholders and in publications.
• Collaborate with lead educators, specialists, advisory committees, and local stakeholders to assess needs and offer engagement opportunities (focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings).
• Participate in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, industry, and community leaders, strategizing in program areas.
• Culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability within the region.
• Cultivate open and welcoming learning environments.
• Complete PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfill annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

• Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension…