Job Description

Are you passionate about advancing sustainable water use in agriculture and rural communities? Do you thrive in collaborative, community-engaged work that blends education, applied research, and impact-driven solutions? The University of Nevada, Reno Extension invites applications for a Statewide Agriculture and Small Acreage Water Specialist, a full-time academic faculty position.

Based in the beautiful Carson Valley, this position will play a vital role in addressing complex water management challenges throughout Nevada. The successful candidate will work extensively with farmers, small acreage owners, water districts, government agencies, non-profits, and other community stakeholders to promote sustainable and resilient water use practices across the state—particularly in agricultural and small acreage settings.

This position is responsible for developing a nationally recognized Extension education and applied research program focused on agricultural water management, water resource stewardship, and climate-adaptive practices, including drought and flood mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

• Educational Outreach: Design, deliver, and evaluate relevant and impactful educational programs such as workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations that address real-world water management concerns.
• Community Collaboration: Engage with local communities to identify water-related challenges and co-develop research-based, practical solutions. Foster inclusive and culturally responsive programming that reflects the diversity of Nevada’s communities.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a statewide expert in water management and collaborate with Extension colleagues, faculty, and partners to advance sustainable practices.
• Program Development & Funding: Secure and manage grants, gifts, and other resources to support the Extension and research program. Maintain accountability and stewardship of program budgets.
• Scholarship & Creative Work: Produce peer-reviewed Extension publications, journal articles, conference presentations, and digital content to disseminate knowledge and extend the reach of your program.
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Build strong, productive relationships across Extension, the University, and external agencies to maximize the impact of water-related programming. 

Required Qualifications

• Lecturer II – A master’s degree, with either a bachelor's or master's degree in Water Resources, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Teaching Assistant Professor – A Ph.D. in Water Resources, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• Assistant Professor – A Ph.D. in Water Resources, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
• **For applicants with a Ph.D., the determination of tenure-track or non-tenure-track status is at the discretion of the hiring manager, following a discussion with the applicant. **

This position requires performing manual labor, lifting heavy objects greater than 20 pounds, driving long distance, working in inclement weather, working alone for extended periods and interacting collegially with small and large teams.

Licensure

A valid Class “C” driver’s license or higher operator’s license within 30 days of appointment.

Schedule and Travel

Work a flexible schedule, with periodic evening and weekend work.
Periodically travel throughout the state to assist with multi-county or statewide efforts related to subject matter expertise or attend area and statewide Extension meetings

• This position involves working in both office settings and field environments.
• Travel within Nevada will be required to visit farms, small acreages, and community events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in water resource or agricultural water management.
• Background in community outreach or Extension education.
• Familiarity with irrigation technologies, conservation practices, and watershed/groundwater systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify technical content for public audiences.
• Experience with grant writing and project management.