Careers

Subtitle
Be the Change This World Needs

Title
Transformative Work You'll Love

Body

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

hands cupping soil with plant sprout

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)
Mattoon, IL

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on horticulture and plant systems. This role emphasizes urban and suburban landscape management, fruit and vegetable production, and plant protection strategies including organic and integrated pest management (IPM). The Educator also leads and supports volunteer engagement through the Master Gardener Program. Working collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, volunteers, and Extension teams, the Educator builds strong networks, supports statewide initiatives, and ensures programs meet the needs of diverse audiences.

This position requires a master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development. Preferred qualifications include experience in urban agriculture, teaching in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000.

View Job Information Apply (Applications Due by May 14, 2026)

aerial view of farmland

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

The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on local food systems and diverse agricultural production settings. This role emphasizes fruit and vegetable production, food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), integrated pest management, school and community gardens, and local food marketing initiatives. The Educator works closely with Extension colleagues, growers, schools, community organizations, and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen local food networks, increase collaboration, and improve access to healthy food options for underserved audiences through research-based programming and outreach.

This position requires a master’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, soil science, agricultural economics, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, or a related field, along with formal and/or informal teaching experience. Preferred qualifications include experience working in agriculture, program planning and development, adult education, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000.

View Job Information Apply (Applications Due by May 29, 2026)

light bulb with target in center surrounded by icons representing community development

Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning)
Bloomington, IL

The Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on community development, participatory planning, workforce development, entrepreneurial communities, leadership development, and community decision-making tools. The Educator works collaboratively with County Directors, community organizations, local coalitions, and Extension teams to strengthen community engagement, support local planning efforts, and build partnerships that address community and economic development needs across the region.

This position requires a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, community development, business management, food systems, or a related field, along with experience in planning processes, facilitating groups, community engagement, adult education, or coalition leadership. Preferred qualifications include experience in the specialty field, teaching in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000.

View Job Information Apply (Applications due by May 19, 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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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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