Extension Instructor or Extension Educator - Early Childhood; Dawson

Working Title: Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

Department: NE Ext Engagement Zone 3-12352

Requisition Number: F_260021

Posting Open Date: 02/23/2026

Application Review Date: 03/26/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

This position is based in Lexington, NE with the geographic accountability region of Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Perkins and Keith Counties. Focused on young children and their caregivers (e.g., parents, early childhood teachers), this position will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land‑grant mission of the home unit and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as an effective scholar and citizen.

The primary responsibility for this position is to develop and deliver high‑quality, innovative educational programs and resources as an active participant in the work of the Early Childhood team and may be active in a statewide issue team that addresses current issues facing Nebraska. This position is expected to interact closely with parents, teachers, early childhood professionals, and caregivers of young children in their geographic area and possibly statewide based on the current projects and goals of the Early Childhood team.

Nebraska Extension’s Early Childhood team supports adults who play a role in young children’s lives by providing educational programming and resources about early child development and early care and education. Adults play a significant role in setting the stage for young children’s lifelong learning, discovery, and success. The Early Childhood team is committed to empowering these adults to support and provide effective learning experiences for Nebraska’s young children.

Such early learning experiences enhance children’s readiness (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional) for school and setting them up for lifelong success.

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, promo table, 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‑promo table, 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.

• Exemplifies positive and professional behavior and attitude towards colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that have significant reach, engagement, and impact in your county, accountability region, and, as appropriate, statewide and nationally.
• Establishes and sustains a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
• Employs innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a strong Extension education program/engagement at the county, accountability region, and statewide levels.
• Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning and problem‑solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research‑based decision‑making information.
• Deliberately engages and works closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your Extension responsibilities.
• Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., health…