Requisition Number: F_200156 Department: Cooperative Ext Division-0788 Description of Work: Overview: Based in Tekamah, NE, the incumbent serves Burt, Thurston, and Dakota Counties, which contribute significantly to Nebraska's agricultural economy. Primary responsibilities are developing and delivering Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (WICS) extension programming that: a) improves profitability and sustainability; b) reduces environmental risk; c) encourages stewardship; d) enhances resiliency; and e) expands consumer awareness of forage, grain, fiber, and oil byproducts production systems. The incumbent is an active participant in developing solution-based resources as a member of the state-wide (WICS) team. As Integrated Cropping and Water Systems Educator (0.80 FTE):
Collaborates closely with colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and crop producers delivering precision agriculture strategies addressing the goals and objectives of the WICS team; Develops, delivers, and measures impacts of programs and engagements regarding rainfed and irrigated crop production systems in Nebraska; Participates in collection and interpretation of data to develop management strategies for clientele for data driven agriculture, digital agriculture, and precision agriculture; Uses innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for a robust extension education program focused on water and integrated cropping production systems within the assigned geographic region, and as a member of the statewide WICS Team; Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with crop producers and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making; Participates in and supports the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network; Identifies needs and provides access to educational opportunities within the assigned geographic region, working with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders (e.g., Natural Resources Districts and local commodity associations); 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, contracts, program fees, and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program's resource base and reach; Partners with research faculty members in action research that can be applied to educational programming; Conducts needs assessments, identifies priorities, measures program impact, and reports results at professional meetings and in professional publications; Participates in professional development to enhance and maintain professional expertise in cropping systems and extension pedagogy; and Supports youth development programs by teaching in areas related to water and integrated cropping systems.As Lead Educator (0.20 FTE):
Partners with other content focused extension educators assigned to the geographic area to, inform them of critical local issues in their content area, partner in promoting access to and participation in educational programming addressing those critical issues, and update extension advisory groups, county commissioners/supervisors, stakeholders, etc. of the latest educational opportunities; Promotes effective working relationships and teamwork among staff – hiring and supervising support staff, and providing professional development opportunities for the staff members; Provides leadership for annual budget planning, accountability of financial operations, and IT audits/inventories to conform to county, university, and state regulations using best management practices; and Networks with elected officials, advisory groups, and community stakeholders, and provide them with impact information about the total extension program.The incumbent 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. Criminal history background check will be conducted. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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 http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination. Minimum Required Qualifications: Master's degree required and must be completed prior to the start date; Master's degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, or Agricultural Mechanization with emphasis on cropping and water systems. Successful experience teaching in a formal or informal setting. Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e. publications, presentations, web and social media). Experience in working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of and experience with the use of precision agriculture strategies to address issues in corn, soybean, and other crops. Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities. Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming. Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs including grant writing, fund generation, contracting and/or cost recovery efforts. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and programs. Experience in the development and implementation of social media communication and education, including managing website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter accounts for a professional organization.Job Type: Full-Time |