UNL Seeks Extension Educator – Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems

 Do you have the drive to help us improve production and marketing of fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables in southeast Nebraska? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs for expanding consumer awareness of locally produced foods, supporting sustainable landscapes, or improving stewardship of water and other natural resources? Innovative, productive, resilient and high-quality food systems are a priority for Nebraska. We do not produce enough fresh, locally produced food to meet the needs of Nebraskans. Southeast Nebraska is a unique region, well-suited to local food production with good water supplies and a climate conducive to the production of high-quality food.

 

Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high performing teams to create and deliver world class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

 

We have an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Weeping Water, Nebraska and serving 8 counties in southeast Nebraska. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. The focus of this position will be supporting local commercial fruit and vegetable production, local food systems, and other horticulture and environmental issues as needed by the community and the program team.

 

This educator is expected to interact closely with local food producers and allied organizations to deliver programs in their geographic area as well as statewide, based on the intentions of the statewide team. The outcome of this focused Extension educational program for horticulture, landscape, and environmental systems includes a) economical and sustainable production practices for locally grown foods

b) development and use of best management practices that result in fresh and safe products that meet the needs of a local clientele

c) growers of locally grown food products use production practices that result in stewardship of resources, especially land and water resources

d) growers of locally grown foods will have a business plan that includes marketing and distribution components

e) in partnership with Rural Prosperity Nebraska Educators, pursue expanded local and regional markets for local foods

and f) more locally produced foods, especially vegetables and fruits, will be a part of the diet of children and adults.

 

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity 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, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, sexual minorities, persons living with disabilities, and veterans.

 

 

• Master’s degree required in Horticulture, Landscape Design/Management/Sustainability, Environmental Science, Horticulture Entomology, Fruit and Vegetable Production, Plant Health Care or closely related field. Master’s degree must be completed by start date.

• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.

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

• Experience with and/or teaching urban or landscape horticulture similar to Nebraska systems.

 

 

• Experience in 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.

• Ability to utilize electronic and online technologies for educational program delivery.

• 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.

 

Employment-based permanent residency sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

 

 

Review of applications will begin August 10, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu. requisition F_220111

 

Click “Apply to this job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a cover letter or a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions

2) your resume or curriculum vitae

and 3) contact information for three professional references.

 

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically about the value you place on diversity and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (see https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement).