Extension staff roles and responsibilities may vary across Nebraska based on how positions are funded and structured locally. Understanding these differences helps clarify reporting relationships, supervision, and employment responsibilities.
- Extension educators and instructors are funded by the University.
- Extension assistants and associates may be funded through state/federal funding or through the county with an addendum to the interlocal agreement.
- Extension assistants/associates may also be funded by the County without an agreement to become a UNL employee.
- Office managers and other support staff positions are funded by the County.
Positions funded by the University or through the County Interlocal Agreement (ILA) are governed by the same policies that apply to other University employees.
Positions funded by the County are governed by the same policies that apply to other County employees in that county(ies), as established by county officials.
Policies related to holidays, vacation and sick leave may be different from the University. If questions arise, the EZC should be consulted. Other management issues of county funded positions include:
- Supervision and personnel functions should be the responsibility of the Lead Educator/Unit Leader.
- The Lead Educator/Unit Leader has responsibility for the hiring of county staff and should solicit input from other staff and the extension board. Adherence to county policies is a must in these situations.
- The Lead Educator/Unit Leader should prepare an evaluation of performance for each county employee and share this with the employee. The extension board and other staff should provide input into this process. Disciplinary actions and terminations are the responsibility of the Lead Educator/Unit Leader following county policies.
- The level of compensation is usually determined by county policies related to position classification, etc. County officials normally give guidelines for annual increases in compensation. These are negotiated in the annual budget process. It is important to note that county-funded University positions follow University compensation guidelines.
Extension Educators/Instructors & Extension Assistants/Associates
- Extension educators have a master’s degree in a field relevant to their programming area. Their primary function is outreach education, program management, and Lead Educator/Unit Leader responsibilities.
- Extension instructors have a bachelor’s degree and have 5 years from the date of hire to complete a master’s degree in an approved field relevant to their programming area.
- Extension Assistants have a bachelor’s degree (County paid Extension Assistants/Associates may not have a degree requirement). They are generally responsible to train/teach, plan, and conduct events in the community. These positions are generally held by 4-H and FNH.
- Extension Associates have completed the promotion process and have advanced from Assistant to Associate title.
- The roles and responsibilities of the above positions are determined by their specific program areas and position descriptions.
- The priority relationship between the board and the educator/assistant is with programs. Extension board members need to stay current in programming through updates provided by the extension educators and assistants. Extension educators, instructors, and assistants look to the extension board for advice and suggestions concerning their programs.
Lead Educator/Unit Leader
- Lead Educator/Unit Leader is the person(s) designated as the administrator of the local extension program and office. The Lead Educator/Unit Leader manages budgets, supervises office personnel and provides leadership for program planning and execution along with providing public relations for the unit.
- The extension board provides oversight and advice to the local program function. The relationship between the extension board and the Lead Educator/Unit Leader is critical to smooth operations. The Lead Educator/Unit Leader must communicate and keep the extension board informed on all matters which are relevant to the board. The extension board in turn makes decisions, acts on the best information and provides advice to the Lead Educator/Unit Leader.
- Lead Educator/Unit Leader roles can be distributed by Educators/Instructors in each office or held by only one individual.
Support Staff
- Office Managers and other support staff are responsible for a variety of functions in the local office. Support staff normally report to the Lead Educator/Unit Leader, though this responsibility may be delegated to other extension educators in specific programs.
- The extension board relationship with support staff is indirect, but boards should observe office personnel occasionally and share these observations with the Lead Educator/Unit Leader.
Engagement Zone Coordinator
- The Engagement Zone Coordinator (EZC) provides liaison between the extension board and the University. The EZC represents the University in all matters relating to personnel, programming and financing.
- The EZC supervises Extension Educators who are funded by the University. They work directly with the Extension board on personnel matters such as refilling positions, training new educators, performance matters and special financial situations. The EZC may assist extension boards in budgeting including contacts with supervisors or commissioners. The Extension board should communicate regularly with the EZC regarding personnel concerns.
Program Area Leader
- Program Area Leaders (PAL) lead the eight (8) primary programs of Extension. They provide vision, guidance, and future planning of programs through research, collaboration, and UNL’s strategic vision. Program Area Leaders often hold dual roles as an educator or within a college in IANR.
Additional Program Roles
- Local offices may choose to hire part-time or summer staff. Additionally, there may be key volunteers who assist with programming or office support such as Master Gardener volunteers.
- 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.
Accountability Regions
- Accountability Regions ensure every county has access to all of Extension’s eight programming areas. The accountability region provides Extension Educators with a region to establish programmatic relationships, understand emerging issues, create co-learning environments, and deliver programs targeted to the specific needs in their specialty area.