Extension Instructor or Extension Educator - HLES; Scotts Bluff

Position:
Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator – HLES (Scotts Bluff County)

Full‑time, 12‑month non‑tenure track position based in Scottsbluff, NE, serving a geographic accountability region that includes Banner, Box Bute, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties. The primary duty is to develop and deliver educational programs and resources in horticulture or related fields, engaging clients across the region and statewide.

• Exemplifies positive and professional behavior towards colleagues, clients, and partners.
• Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging programs using effective teaching methods with broad reach at the county, regional, and statewide levels.
• 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 Extension education and engagement.
• Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage research‑based decision making.
• Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research.
• Participates in multidisciplinary teams to translate and convey the latest research‑based information.
• Engages partners to identify and address high‑priority issues for the region.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration with local, regional, and statewide leaders.
• Employs entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing program reach.
• Creates ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
• Leads and contributes to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engages in personal and professional development opportunities relevant to the role.
• Supports youth development programs related to the assignment.
• Conducts needs assessments, develops programs and engagement platforms, measures impact, and reports results to stakeholders and publication outlets.
• Collaborates with lead educators, specialists, advisory committees, and local stakeholders to assess needs and offer engagement opportunities.
• Participates in teams focused on current or future needs.
• Ensures open and welcoming learning environments.
• Completes PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfills annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

• Supports the lead educator role in partnership with the supervisor(s).
• Co‑ordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and regionally to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
• Cooperates with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension opportunities and impact.
• Cultivates a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members.
• Supports engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Agricultural Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other ad‑hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

• 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).
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non‑formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate through publications, presentations, web, and social media.
• Experience with and/or teaching urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.

• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual or group goals.
• Outstanding leadership skills 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 cost recovery.
• Experience in supervisory roles.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and possess a valid driver’s license.

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