The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) in Curtis, NE, is seeking candidates for an Open Rank Professor teaching position in the Agricultural Production Systems – Animal Science program. This is a 9-month (academic year), non-tenure track, 100% teaching appointment. This position will be located in Curtis, NE, 200 miles west of Lincoln or 45 miles south of North Platte. Opportunities exist for additional summer funding through summer course instruction. The preferred start date is January 6, 2025. Will consider an August 2025 start.
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (https://ncta.unl.edu/) is a nationally ranked two-year college that prepares students in agriculture and veterinary technology through high academic quality, affordability, and guarantee of career success for graduates. The campus has updated facilities and state-of-the-art animal livestock facilities which maintain a 100-head beef cow herd on the working Lue Memorial Ranch, a small feedlot, an equine and livestock arena, and modern labs and lecture halls. The college focuses on hands-on learning and a small faculty-to-student ratio. Located in Curtis, Nebraska, the city is equidistant between Gothenburg, McCook, and North Platte, Nebraska, all of which are growing communities with regional health care and various services. The Curtis region is a vibrant mix of agriculture and agriculture support industries with excellent school systems and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and NCTA are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and teach animal science courses within the Agricultural Production Systems major, including the development and updating of course outlines, lesson plans, presentations, and course materials for both lecture and laboratory formats.
- Implement a series of educational experiences that result in graduates who are successful entrepreneurs or employees in profitable commercial livestock enterprises and/or entrepreneurs in rural communities.
- Develop and coach a competitive student team in an agriculture-related area and be willing to travel with students.
- Assist with academic advising, recruiting, internship experiences, committee assignments, student organizations, and other departmental and college activities with a student-focused approach.
- Facilitate student engagement within animal science courses taught and incorporate such on the college farm and feedlot, in college livestock facilities, in the meat science lab, and at area agricultural businesses.
- Develop and teach interactive distance education courses as needed.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, attend department and college meetings, assume reporting responsibilities, oversee clubs, teams, and extracurricular activities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level. This position will also assist with recruiting, publicity, and facility tours for prospective students.
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.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in animal science or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution (open rank professor). Master’s must be completed by the start date. OR Master’s degree in another discipline or bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline (lecturer). If hired as a lecturer, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the appropriate discipline.
- Proficiency with computer technology applications in the teaching environment.
- Excellent communication skills.
- An interest in developing college students for a career in agriculture.
Preferred Qualifications
- In addition to the required animal science/closely related field degree, an additional Master’s or Doctorate in agricultural education or other agricultural-related discipline is preferred.
- Previous college and/or high school agricultural education teaching experience.
- Relevant beef production or feedlot management industry experience.
- Successful experience facilitating student engagement through agricultural teams and/or learning activities.
- Recruiting experience.
- Fundraising success.
Application Process
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2024, 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_240103. Click “Apply for this Job” and then “Faculty Application.” Complete the information form and attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions, 2) your curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three professional references. In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), including one specifically describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.