Careers

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Be the Change This World Needs

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Transformative Work You'll Love

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Our programs serve a wide range of individuals, including youth, adults, families, business owners, and community leaders. We offer diverse career opportunities in education, agriculture, environmental stewardship, foods and nutrition, leadership development, and community development. We are always seeking individuals skilled in office administration, program planning, information technology, and communications. As a statewide network of professionals, University of Illinois Extension is dedicated to creating local community impact and driving statewide transformation by translating research and knowledge into practical programs for Illinois residents.

Why Work For Us?

The University of Illinois values, respects, and supports all employees and emphasizes the diverse ways that employees carry out and support the university’s mission.

Featured Job Openings

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Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms)
Murphysboro, IL

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that strengthen local food systems and community-based agricultural production. This position focuses on research-based education for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders in areas including fruit and vegetable production, food marketing, food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), school and community gardens, integrated pest management, and agricultural collaboration. Working collaboratively with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators, as well as community partners and agricultural stakeholders, the Educator builds networks, expands local food opportunities, and supports statewide Extension priorities.

This position requires a master’s degree related to the subject matter, such as agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, weed science, or a related field. Candidates must have informal and/or formal teaching experience. Preferred qualifications include agriculture experience, experience with agricultural research or demonstrations, the ability to organize educational activities for adult audiences, knowledge of program planning and resource development, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000

View Job Information Apply by September 7, 2026

child imaging themselves as an astronaut

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Champaign, IL

The Extension Educator coordinates educational programs in 4-H Youth Development, focusing on positive youth development, volunteer leadership, and educational outreach. Responsibilities include program development, delivery, and evaluation; leading multi-county youth programs; guiding volunteers and staff; building community partnerships; and supporting statewide initiatives.

This position requires a Master’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Experience in youth development programming and the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences is preferred. The position involves travel and physical tasks.

Salary Range: $59,000 to $82,000

View Job Information Apply by September 15, 2026

plants being exchanged between two people

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)
Nashville, IL

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating research-based educational programs focused on field crop production and management. This position conducts applied research and outreach related to crop management, soils, pests, and plant nutrients while serving local, regional, and statewide Commercial Agriculture needs. Working collaboratively with campus specialists, faculty, the Commercial Agriculture team, and agricultural stakeholders, the Educator supports pest surveys, locally relevant research, educational programming, and selected regional and statewide Commercial Agriculture initiatives.

This position requires a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as field crop production, crop management, weed science, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field. Candidates must have experience with educational programs and the ability to earn or maintain active Certified Crop Advisor certification. Preferred qualifications include experience in crop sciences, teaching experience in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000

View Job Information Apply by September 15, 2026

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Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)
Champaign, IL

The Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies. This role emphasizes building partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance, and supporting professional development to advance health outcomes. The Educator works collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, and Extension teams to strengthen local systems, expand program impact, and ensure initiatives align with statewide priorities and community needs.

This position requires a master’s degree in public health, community health, or a related field, along with experience teaching in formal or informal settings and building community partnerships. Preferred qualifications include experience with University of Illinois Extension and working across diverse communities.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000

View Job Information Apply by September 18, 2026

wooden hexagon tiles with community health icons on them

Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)
Murphysboro, IL

The Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies. This role emphasizes building partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance, and supporting professional development to advance health outcomes. The Educator works collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, and Extension teams to strengthen local systems, expand program impact, and ensure initiatives align with statewide priorities and community needs.

This position requires a master’s degree in public health, community health, or a related field, along with experience teaching in formal or informal settings and building community partnerships. Preferred qualifications include experience with University of Illinois Extension and working across diverse communities.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000

View Job Information Apply by September 18, 2026

Our Work in Action

Discover the passion and purpose that drives University of Illinois employees as they work to support and uplift local communities. From their beginnings at Illinois to the impactful projects they’re leading today, they share their journeys, motivations, and how they’re shaping the future of community engagement and development.

Explore Opportunities

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