Description

Do you have the drive to help us impact the health of all Nebraskans in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences for individuals and families, communities and partner organizations, and health and food industry professionals? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a 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.

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Aurora, NE, with a geographic accountability region of Hamilton, Merrick, Clay, Nuckolls, Thayer, and Fillmore Counties. The focus of this position will be to provide regional expertise and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that strengthen health, support food science and safety, advance food and nutrition security, and improve long-term wellbeing. The successful candidate will teach and coordinate evidence-based programs that: 1) strengthen individual behaviors and community environments that support healthy lifestyles, prevent chronic diseases, and improve overall wellbeing; 2) support food science and safety practices that protect public health and ensure a safe, trusted food supply; and 3) advance food and nutrition security by improving access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.

We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Extension – Health and Wellbeing.  

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 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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Community Health Education Specialist, Master of Public Health (MPH), Registered Nurse (RN), or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
• At least one year of experience in nutrition or a health-related field.
• 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 developing financial support for educational programs including grant writing, fund generation, contracting, and/or cost recovery efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
• Ability to speak language(s) in addition to English; Spanish preferred. 

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.

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

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.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin January 19, 2026, and 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_250090. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions; 2) your curriculum vitae or resume; and 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 where every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement. 

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/. 

Requirements

• Master’s degree in nutrition and health sciences, exercise and health sciences, dietetics, nutrition education, public health, or a closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in nutrition and health sciences, exercise and health sciences, dietetics, nutrition education, public health, or a 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.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).