Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management

About the Job

Title: Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management

Job code: 9624PA (Assistant Extension Professor)

Employee Group: Professional & Administrative, Non-Tenure Track

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100% time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Extension Regional Office Preferred office locations: Mankato, Rochester, Willmar, Farmington, North Metro office, St. Cloud (location negotiated at time of offer). This is an in-person position, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available

Estimated salary range: $70,000 - $82,000

Apply by: July 24, 2026

About the Job

The Extension Educator for Agricultural Business Management plays a vital role in supporting Minnesotas agricultural sector by developing and delivering targeted educational programs that enhance farm profitability and strategic business management. The farm economy is an on-going "hot button" item for Minnesota agriculture. While crop and livestock production has continued to increase throughout the state, farm profitability is extremely inconsistent with commodity income not always covering input costs. Government programs are not necessarily or consistently reducing risks, driving a need for more farm business management education in Minnesota's agricultural regions.

To meet this demand, this position will develop and deliver educational programs focused on topics related to farm profitability, including land rental agreements, farmland sales, commodity marketing, local and direct marketing, and other business management topics. As an integral part of the Agricultural Business Management (ABM) team, the Educator brings in-depth expertise to cutting-edge issues, applying this expertise to the programs and priorities of the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems.

Location and Work Environment

This Extension Educator will be housed at a Minnesota Extension Regional Office, preferably in southern Minnesota, though the specific location will be negotiated at the time of hire. These are in-person positions, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available; minimum of two-three days a week in the office. Even though the position will be located at a specific regional office, it serves a statewide programming area rather than a single region.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position that requires the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work. The Educator must be able to travel within designated communities to provide in-person programming utilizing their own vehicle and will transport supplies and materials and occasionally other personnel as needed .

Primary Responsibilities

80% Educational Program Development and Delivery

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate high quality, outcome-focused Extension educational programs for farmers, agricultural professionals, and other agricultural and rural businesses on financial and management topics such as:
• Farm profitability
• Land rent
• Farmland sales
• Commodity marketing
• Local and direct marketing
• Farm policy
• Employ appropriate educational program delivery systems including face-to-face presentations, technology-based methods, workshops, and/or train-the-trainer approaches to educate farmers and other agricultural professionals.
• Contribute to other ABM programs, including farm transition planning, beginning farmer education, and tax education.
• Work on interdisciplinary teams and utilize existing expertise at the University to analyze business management strategies for farmers and other agricultural and rural businesses.
• Develop and maintain effective state, regional, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Assume program leadership on specific programs, projects, or priorities, as agreed to by the Program Leader(s).
• Serve as a subject matter expert and interact with local, regional, and statewide media to disseminate research-based information regarding the farm economy, farm profitability, and agricultural business trends.

15% Scholarship

• Conduct market research, design, develop, deliver/implement, market, and evaluate educational programs appropriate to their audience based on scholarly/scientific theory and research in conjunction with ABM and other Extension teams.
• Collaborate with campus-based faculty in conducting scholarly research and occasionally work in collaboration with University faculty and graduate students on applied research.
• Identify and use new and emerging technology for communication, locating information and resources, program design, program delivery, and reporting.

5% Other

• Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery.
• Participate and succeed in progress regarding professional performance including the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion.
• Engage in other special projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree at time of appointment in agricultural economics, agricultural business management, applied economics, finance, or closely related discipline.
• Knowledge of and ability to explain farm business management concepts and tools including, but not limited to: financial management, farmland rental, commodity marketing, resource acquisition, strategic management, and policy impacts on Minnesota's agricultural sector.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of technology-enhanced communication and teaching skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, program participants and industry groups).

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance; the need to transport supplies, equipment, and other people/employees may occur.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employees own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work and in-state overnight travel (possibly two overnights per month, on average).
• Ability to work on a computer as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion (lift, push, pull, carry) of up to thirty (30) pounds of force, and frequent repetitive motions.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years' experience in a field related to the position.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating educational programs in agricultural business management.
• Experience designing, conducting, and/or providing an essential role in research projects.
• Experience using technology in educational programming, including developing spreadsheet tools.
• Experience and/or academic specialization related to farming and other agricultural and rural businesses.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

In the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems, the ABM team offers education and support to farm decision makers on farm management and marketing through workshops and software tools. The team works closely with the Center for Farm Financial Management (CFFM). CFFM develops applications and educational programs that provide educators, lenders, other professionals, and farmers resources to successfully manage farms and the financial activities related to farms and small businesses.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $70,000 - $82,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.