Conservation Forester (Ord, NE)

Description of Work:

The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) is committed to enhancing the well-being of Nebraskans by safeguarding, revitalizing, and maximizing the state's tree and rest resources. We offer technical and financial support to clients across Nebraska, with a focus on rural forestry, community forestry, forest fuels reduction, forest health, forest products utilization, and fire protection.

We are seeking a qualified and enthusiastic individual to join our team of dedicated professionals. The chosen candidate will contribute to our mission by actively participating in efforts to improve Nebraska's trees and forest health, resilience, and sustainability. In this role, the forester will directly assist stakeholders within the program's focal areas and empower clients to attain their tree and forestry objectives.

The position is located at the Lower LoupNatural Resources District (LLNRD) office in Ord, Nebraska, and serves the Lower Loup NRD, Brown County, and Rock County

As a Conservation Forester, you will:

• Serve as the local point of contact for the implementation of tree and forestry management programming within the boundaries of the Lower Loup NRD, Brown County and Rock County.
• Provide technical and financial assistance to landowners, communities, and partners to increase tree and forest productivity, resiliency, and sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with public and private landowners to develop and implement forest management plans for their property, including developing recommendations, creating management plans, and supporting the implementation of forestry projects and activities to achieve client goals.
• Administer and support forest-related financial assistance programs.
• Build and maintain partnerships to increase effectiveness of NFS efforts.
• Coordinate local forestry training and workshops, manage the conservation tree planting program, complete Wildland Urban Interface projects, and develop communication materials.

Please note: this position is not eligible for sponsorship.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working for UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, entomology or closely related field plus one (1) year experience providing assistance with tree and forest management, natural resources management, forest products, horticulture, entomology, or closely related field. Additional completed relevant education may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with individuals, communities, partners or businesses.
• Ability to respond to stakeholders' forestry or natural resources needs.
• Ability to develop, implement and maintain projects and activities, including documenting progress and preparing reports.
• Ability to effectively cooperate with private landowners, the general public, cooperators and peers.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.
• Self-starter with proven record of organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently under the guidance of the supervisor.
• Substantial knowledge relevant to position focus area.
• Must have valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Four years experience providing assistance with tree and forest management, natural resource management, forest products or closely related field.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of Great Plains forestry, tree care, timber harvesting, wood utilization, and/or wildfire issues.
• Knowledge of GPS, ArcGIS, word processing, spreadsheet and data management software

Posted Salary: $57,000/year minimum

Job Type: Full-Time