Extension Instructor or Extension Educator - HLES; Scotts Bluff

Overview

This is a full‑time, 12‑month non‑tenure track position based in Scottsbluff, NE. The primary responsibility is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources in horticulture or related fields across the region including Banner, Box Bute, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties. The role is part of the Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems program and involves interaction with homeowners, producers, institutions, and organizations throughout the area and statewide.

Core outcomes include building trusted relationships, creating educational opportunities that improve stewardship, and delivering sustainable engagement that may include financial and wellbeing components.

Position title:

open‑rank extension educator or extension instructor depending on education level. A master’s degree qualifies for open‑rank educator; a bachelor’s degree qualifies for instructor with the expectation to complete a master’s within five years. Instructor may advance to assistant extension educator after earning a master’s.

• Exemplify positive and professional behavior toward colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develop and deliver proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs using teaching methods with significant reach and impact at the county, regional, statewide, and national levels.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs.
• Engage and teach in a collaborative learning environment with assistants, educators, and specialists.
• Work closely with Extension specialists to fulfill responsibilities.
• Collaborate with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied research that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams translating and conveying research‑based information.
• Engage partners to identify and address high‑priority issues.
• Foster collaboration with local, regional, and statewide leaders.
• Employ entrepreneurial practices to secure funding and partnerships.
• Create ongoing programming revenue.
• Lead and contribute to high‑performing programming teams.
• Pursue personal and professional development.
• Support youth development programs.
• Conduct need assessments, identify priorities, and develop programs; measure impact and report results annually to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with lead educators and stakeholders to assess needs through focus groups, surveys, and stakeholder meetings.
• Participate in teams focused on current or future needs or strengths.
• Foster collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region.
• Cultivate open and welcoming learning environments.
• Complete PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfill annual IANR reporting requirements, including an impact report.

• Serve or support lead educator roles as described in the Lead Educator responsibilities.
• Coordinate with Engagement Zone coordinators and other Extension professionals to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
• Cooperate with local faculty and staff to promote Extension’s opportunities and impact.
• Build relationships with community leaders and advisory groups such as Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance.
• Accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other ad hoc assignments as requested.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards, have a valid driver’s license. Role is not eligible for employment‑based permanent residency sponsorship; temporary work authorization may be possible.

• 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 the same fields (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, progress toward a master’s within five years is required.
• Successful experience teaching in formal or non‑formal settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate via publications, presentations, web, and social media.
• Experience with or teaching urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.

• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish goals.
• Outstanding leadership skills demonstrated through roles in college, career, or community activities.
• Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational delivery.
• Experience developing financial support for educational programs, including grant writing and fundraising.
• Experience in supervisory roles.

Job Type: 12 Month (Faculty Only)