The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) invites nominations and applications for the Director of the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center (PREEC). We are seeking candidates who are collaborative, visionary, innovative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial. The Director coordinates and manages all aspects of the IANR and PREEC missions at the Center and represents the university and IANR to the communities in the western part of the state, engaging IANR teams and farmers, ranchers, food processors, natural resource managers and regional economic development leaders, to ensure programs, initiatives, and accomplishments are highly responsive to the Panhandle’s surface and groundwater systems and the integrated, precision cropping and livestock systems they underpin. To do this, the Director must possess well-developed talents in the translation of agricultural sciences, strategic visioning, team building and collaboration, communication, and facilities and personnel management.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, IANR and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating research, Extension, and teaching and learning environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups including racial and ethnic minorities, women, sexual and gender minorities, persons living with disabilities, and veterans.

Our three Research, Extension and Education Centers (REEC) are hubs of research, extension, community engagement, and teaching and learning activity. They are strategically positioned throughout the state to ensure that a) IANR faculty members are able to conduct research relevant to the state’s farmers, ranchers, food processors, natural resource managers, and regional economic development leaders and others involved in the agricultural industry, b) Extension programming is community-based and relevant to the needs of Nebraska residents, and c) students have research, learning and community engagement opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to in an urban campus setting. The mission of the network of REECs is to develop solutions that enhance the lives of Nebraskans through improved management of landscapes, production systems, and resources across the state.