Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development

About the role

Nebraska Extension seeks a full‑time faculty member in Central City, NE to develop and deliver educational programs and resources for youth and adult volunteers in Merrick and Hamilton Counties. The position is a twelve‑month, non‑tenure‑track appointment titled either Open Rank Extension Educator (graduate degree) or Extension Instructor (undergraduate degree). Instructors must make satisfactory progress toward a master’s degree within five years, after which the role can advance to Assistant Extension Educator. The role involves collaboration with research and extension faculty, creation of innovative learning experiences, and empowerment of Nebraskans on critical issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver 4‑H youth development programs and resources within the geographic accountability region.
• Collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their fields.
• Create world‑class, innovative learning experiences for youth and adult volunteers.
• Engage with youth organizations and apply principles of positive youth development and program management.
• Communicate program outcomes through publications, presentations, web content, and social media.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage volunteers as needed.
• Travel within the service region as required.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (for Extension Educator) OR bachelor’s degree in the same fields (for Extension Instructor).
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non‑formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively via publications, presentations, web, and social media.
• Experience working with youth and youth organizations, with an understanding of positive youth development and youth program management.
• If hired as an instructor, satisfactory progress toward a master’s degree within the initial five‑year appointment period.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as part of a team with strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Experience or training in recruitment, training, mentoring, and management of volunteers.
• Ability to engage audiences from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
• Proficiency in a language other than English; Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• Tuition remission for full‑time employees up to 15 credit hours per year.
• Opportunity for promotion to Assistant Extension Educator after earning a master’s degree.

Travel and Licensing

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

Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for employment‑based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H‑1B) for the successful candidate.