- A dual-track search includes provisions for a bachelor’s degree that meets search requirements to be the qualifying degree for the faculty position.
- The purposes of the dual track option are to a) increase the number and diversity of applicants meeting degree requirements for positions that have historically been difficult to fill, and b) to provide career track opportunities for individuals with a bachelor’s degree—ranging from community members to recent college graduates—that will allow them to work toward becoming an Extension Educator in Nebraska Extension.
- A dual-track Extension Instructor/Extension Educator search may be authorized by Extension administration. This decision is made in consultation with the relevant program leader. Priority for such searches will be based upon program areas and/or geographic locations where talent recruitment is challenging.
- Launching a dual-track search requires that the search documents (position description, request to search form, and advertisements) be revised to represent the dual-track search process. Mission critical permission is required to proceed with dual-track searches.
- A bachelor’s or master's degree is required for the Extension Instructor and Extension Educator roles respectively. Instructor candidates must have completed their bachelor’s degree by the date of the initial search committee candidate review meeting. Educator candidates must be within six months of attaining their graduate degree at the time of the initial search committee candidate review meeting.
- When an applicant with a bachelor’s degree is the candidate of choice, an additional step in the interview process will be prompted prior to presenting an offer, that includes dialogue among the candidate, lead supervisor, and program leader. This conversation will include a detailed overview of the dual-track Extension Instructor process, timeline, and expectations including agreement upon the master’s degree academic field to be pursued. The program leader will approve the master’s degree as one that meets the requirements for the position. The lead supervisor may consult with the graduate advisor (if identified) prior to extending an offer.
- Extension Instructor successful transition to an Extension Educator position is based on successful progress toward degree completion within five years of hire date and expected (Good Work) performance. Progress will be documented using Progress Toward Degree Form and Annual Faculty Performance Review Form.
- Employees of the University of Nebraska are eligible for limited tuition remission benefits (15 credits a year). Extension Instructors will be encouraged to take advantage of this benefit in pursuing a master's degree. Nebraska Extension does not offer additional tuition assistance.
- Beginning salary for Extension Instructor hires is $51,000. Upon successful attainment of an approved master’s degree the Extension Instructor appointment will transition to an Assistant Extension Educator appointment with a salary consistent with the base salary for Assistant Extension Educators at the time they transition to that position (currently $55,825) or their current salary, whichever is higher.
- An Extension Instructor is a special appointment faculty position with a fixed term appointment. Extension Instructor appointments may be terminated due to unsatisfactory progress toward master’s degree or unsatisfactory work performance.
Overview
Nebraska Extension Annual Extension Instructor Graduate Degree Progress Form
Nebraska Extension Responsibilities Educator vs. Assistant Overview