Job Description

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

Department
NE Ext Engagement Zone 1-12350

Requisition Number
F_250022

Posting Open Date
03/06/2025

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
04/07/2025

Posting Close Date
 

Open Until Filled
Yes

Description of Work

OVERVIEW

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 open rank educator position, a full-time, promotable, 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-promotable, 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 towards 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.

PROGRAMMATIC   RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Uses high-impact, innovative strategies, and current technologies to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for robust statewide extension education programs focused on the Early Childhood team’s goals.


• Engages in a collaborative learning environment with professionals and caregivers to encourage the adoption of research-based information in decision-making.


• Delivers educational programming for early childhood statewide and within the assigned accountability region. Within the assigned accountability region, the incumbent will also engage with unit leaders, Extension Engagement Zone Coordinators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and 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.


• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s 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 engaging in community-based participatory research, conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities in partnership with communities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.


• Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in both early childhood and extension pedagogy.


• Supports the youth development program by teaching in areas related to the Early Childhood focused assignment.

 

 

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 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’s 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
  
  


• 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’s license.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams 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, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. Consistent with the  University’s N2025 Strategic Plan , we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing 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  .

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period.


• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.


• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal education settings (i.e., preschool, K-12).


• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (written and verbal)

 

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.


• 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.


• Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers (e.g., providers and teachers).

Work Location (City, State)
Lexington, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
 

Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes

Posted Salary
 

How to Apply

Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.


2. Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as “Curriculum Vitae”).


3. 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 teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See for guidance in writing this statement.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu

Job Category
 

Job Category (old)
Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No

If Temporary, indicate end date
 

Planned Hire Date
 

Appointment End Date
 

Organizational Location
Default Location

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Provide a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters.
   

   (Open Ended Question)



2. Describe your teaching experiences with adult learners.
   

   (Open Ended Question)



3. What qualities do you have that make you an effective team player?
   

   (Open Ended Question)



4. Share an experience where you used innovative strategies or current technologies to design, develop, or deliver an educational program.
   

   (Open Ended Question)



5. Identify the formal classwork (class name and credit hours) and/or professional development/continuing education (title and hours of education) that you have completed in the past 5 years relevant to the position for which you are applying.
   

   (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

Required Documents

1. Letter of Interest


2. Curriculum Vitae


3. List of References

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University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Visa sponsorship, H1b,

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