As discussed in sections above, Extension works cooperatively with colleges and departments in IANR and throughout UNL. It is important to understand how these cooperative relationships work within Extension, to include job roles, primary funding sources, and reporting structure. Below, we provide a listing of positions within the Extension system. *NOTE: As a result of the innovative and strategic leadership of UNL, IANR, and Extension, new or unique positions may not be listed in this document.
Our Extension Dean is supported by an Associate Dean and Director, an Associate Dean for 4-H/Human Sciences, and an Associate Dean for Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Also in the Extension Leadership Team (ELT) are the Program Leaders, Engagement Zone Coordinators, Integrated Technology, and Professional Development. The ELT team directs the Extension mission, vision, and initiatives to support Extension growth. The success of Nebraska Extension could not be achieved without the talented and diversely skilled administrative staff.
You can review the leadership team here.
Program Leaders
Each of Nebraska Extension’s primary seven programs are led by Program Leaders (PL). The Program Leaders provide the vision, guidance, and future planning of our programs through research, collaboration, and UNL’s strategic vision. Program Leaders are administrators and hold a joint supervisory role with Engagement Zone Coordinators. Program Leaders often hold dual roles, working within Extension and a college within IANR.
Engagement Zone Coordinators
Each of the 11 Engagement Zones are supported by an Engagement Zone Coordinator (EZC). The EZC is the local administrator and holds a joint supervisory role with Program Leaders and 4-H Coordinators for Educators in their zone. The EZC role is to foster employee success, build strong stakeholder engagement, and connect local people to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
4-H Coordinators
The 4-H program in Nebraska Extension is extensive, not only are Educators, Associates, and Assistants responsible to provide programming in the counties they serve, but they are also responsible for leadership of the 4-H portion of annual county fairs. 4-H Coordinators work directly with the Associate Dean for 4-H and serve a similar role as program leaders, providing guidance, vision, and leadership to 4-H success at a local/county level. 4-H Coordinators may also deliver programs across the state.
Extension Specialist
Specialists hold a PhD, and many have combined appointments with teaching and/or research responsibilities. Specialists provide expertise, research-based knowledge for programming, and may deliver programs across the state.
Extension Educator
Educators may be in county offices, an REC, or campus. Educators have faculty status. Following the academic rank structure, Educators can hold the rank of Assistant, Associate, or fully promoted Educator. Their primary function is outreach education to Nebraska residents through research-based programming based on the needs in the state and communities.
Statewide Educators serve a certain niche across the state.
Lead Educator position is held by an Educator in the county office. The Lead Educator is the primary supervisor for county-funded staff, establishes the annual budget, is the primary person of contact for county boards, and a myriad of other responsibilities.
Extension Assistant/Associate
Extension Assistants and Associates support the programs developed and implemented in county/multi-county offices. While the priorities may vary based on program and location, Associate and Assistants are generally responsible to train, plan, and conduct activities and events in the community. Not all county offices have Assistant or Associate positions.
UNL Affiliates
These positions are funded by the county, the title for this position varies by county. Support staff and office managers are integral to the daily operations in county Extension. These staff maintain financial records, prepare reports, maintain office structure, can take on receptionist roles and can also take on 4-H support roles. 4-H support staff provide necessary support to the ongoing operations for 4-H to include the point of contact for 4-H clientele, coordination of programming, and marketing. These are also county funded, not all counties have these positions.
To learn more about Affiliate roles, please discuss with your EZC, Lead Educator, and teammates.
Volunteers
Many programs in Extension utilize volunteers to help expand their reach and impact in our communities. These roles include 4-H volunteers/club leaders, Master Gardeners, and Ambassadors. Volunteers represent Nebraska Extension and interact in our community; to protect all parties, specific requirements and background checks must be completed, which vary based on the role and the audience the volunteer will reach. Work with your Program Leader, 4-H Coordinator, or Engagement Zone Coordinator to ensure we follow proper guidelines before any volunteer acts as a representative of Extension.