Extension Instructor Or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawes County)

This position is based in Chadron, NE with the geographic accountability region of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, and Blaine 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 UNL benefits package, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln 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.

Nebraska Extension is committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

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

Recognizing that diversity 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 diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being 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 https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

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

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups 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.