This position is based in Aurora, NE, with a geographic accountability region of Hamilton, Merrick, Clay, Nuckolls, Thayer, and Fillmore Counties. The Health & Wellbeing extension professional provides regional expertise and develops focused, comprehensive learning programs that strengthen health, support food science and safety, improve food and nutrition security, and enhance long-term wellbeing across the lifespan.

The educator works with individuals, families, youth, community organizations, and partner agencies to deliver evidence-based education and to support policy, systems, and environmental approaches that improve health outcomes. Programming addresses priority health and wellbeing issues facing Nebraska communities, including chronic disease prevention, nutrition and physical activity, food safety, food access, and community health supports.

Nebraska faces ongoing challenges related to obesity, chronic disease, foodborne illness, and disparities in health and food access. Addressing these complex and interconnected issues requires coordinated education, strong partnerships, and sustained community engagement. The Health & Wellbeing extension professional contributes to the integrated land-grant mission of IANR by translating research into practice, supporting local and regional partnerships, and creating learning opportunities that empower Nebraskans to make informed decisions and build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence. As a member of Nebraska Extension, the educator is expected to deliver high-quality, research-based programs, contribute to collaborative teams, and demonstrate measurable impact through evaluation and reporting.

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 toward 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.

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

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.

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.

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/.

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty 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 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.

Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu