UNL | Lincoln Extension in Southeast Research & Extension Center

Extension Educators are facilitators. In local communities the Extension Educator partners with business leaders, teachers, agency personnel, government officials, farmers and others to solve problems. They refer people seeking information to answers – wherever those answers can be found. We often say Extension is the ‘Front door to the University.’

Extension Assistants are teachers. As staff members of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Extension Assistants bring the research-based information and resources of the land grant university to the people in the state. They work with specialists and educators and local stakeholders in the identification and prioritization of critical local issues; teach and evaluate subject matter curricula identified by or in conjunction with supervisor; assist specialists and educators with the development of program support, working with local stakeholders in developing priorities and partnerships, and contributing to applied research.

Extension Specialist are teachers and researchers. As faculty members of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Extension Specialists bring the research-based information and resources of the land grant university to the people in the state. They provide state-wide, multi-state and national programs addressing critical needs of adults and youth identified in Extension Action Plans; work across state, region, nation, and the world to seek input from educators and assistants and others to identify and prioritize Extension educational issues; lead development of state-wide, in-depth educational curricula and resources (research based); provide training/information to educators/assistants and lead evaluation strategies to determine impact of programs.

Specialists lead research, interpret research results and evaluate implications of research for priority needs of the state. They take research results to lead teaching of Extension curricula for appropriate state and multi-state programs.

The University of Nebraska is a leader in the use of technology in education. Our faculty and staff must be able to utilize the computer for work and teaching. We provide our employees with up-to-date technology and equipment and training on how to be effective teachers using available technology.

Diversity brings strength to our organization. We recognize the assets individuals bring to our organization as valuable regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, disability, military status or other factors. We strive to be inclusive in our staffing, program development, program delivery, and audiences reached.

What will it take to be successful as an Extension faculty member in the 21st Century?

Successful Teacher - plan, design, implement and evaluate Extension educational programs.

Subject Matter Competent - mastery of discipline, understands research based information, considered technically proficient.
Skilled Communicator - excellent written and verbal skills and knowledge of supporting technology.
Strong Collaborator/Team Player - creates partnerships and contributes to teams in response to significant issues.
Leader - ability to engage a wide range of individuals and facilitate progress on projects or programs.
Entrepreneurial - generates grants, fees, contracts to enhance programs.
Inclusive - aware of and committed to serving all members of community.
Change Manager - accepts change and is able to deal with ambiguity.

I’m almost finished with my master’s degree. Can I apply for a Extension Educator position before I graduate? Can I apply for an Extension Assistant position before I get my bachelor’s degree?

While you can submit an application and be interviewed for open positions near the end of your degree program, any job offer will be contingent upon successfully completing your degree requirements. You may begin working in your position when those requirements are met and we receive a letter documenting the completion of your degree requirements from the granting institution.

What are the steps in hiring once I’ve submitted my application?

Once a completed application is received, there are several steps that result in employment of successful candidates:

A search committee meets and reviews credentials.
References are contacted.
Applicants who meet the position qualifications are invited for an interview with the search committee. During the interview the committee will want to know about your qualifications and interest in the job. They will ask you questions and give you an opportunity to ask questions about the position.
Candidates receiving search committee approval are advanced to an Extension Board for second stage interviews. These interviews usually take place in the local community during evening hours. The Extension Board usually has about 8-12 members who represent different geographic regions of the area and different issue areas addressed by Cooperative Extension. You may be asked to make a presentation to the board on an assigned topic. The board interview usually lasts about an hour. The Extension Board makes recommendations to the University.
Input from the search committee, local Extension Board and references are used in determining the final candidate to fill the position. University extends an offer letter and the successful candidate accepts the offer in writing.

Do I pay my own way if I get an interview?

University of Nebraska Extension will reimburse you for reasonable expenses. Travel arrangements will be coordinated with the Human Resources Office. To be reimbursed, you must have appropriate receipts to submit.

What benefits are offered?

Educators, Specialists, and Assistants receive 24 days of paid vacation each year and 11 holidays. The sick leave policy is also very supportive. Additional benefits include NU Credits, choices for tax-deferred annuities; medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; retirement through TIAA-CREF and Fidelity and 15 credit hours of tuition remission a year free. Extension Educators may request up to $900 during a three-year cycle for professional development travel to regional and national meetings. Moving expenses are also available. See Employee Benefits Website: http://hr.unl.edu/benefits/benefits.cfm

Do you get to (or have to) travel?

While working in the counties, you can be expected to do some driving to programs and meetings in the region; however, the need to stay away from home overnight is unusual. Faculty members provide their own vehicles for business travel and are reimbursed on a per-mile basis by either the county budget or the university. Some counties have a county car that you will be able to use.

Cooperative Extension does host an annual conference in the fall that brings faculty together and overnights are needed for that event. Trainings and professional meetings often involve travel to the training site and overnight lodging. Extension or the county budget usually pays for approved lodging, meals and travel expenses.

How do I learn more about University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension or the counties I’ll be working and living in?

Sources of information include local chamber of commerce offices, local Extension Boards, web pages and staff already working in or near your location. Don’t hesitate to ask about housing, education, churches and recreation. You are welcome to call a local office or visit our web site: http://extension.unl.edu. Many of the important links are found on the Career Opportunities Page http://extension.unl.edu/jobs.htm .

Frequently Asked Questions