Assistant Conservation Forester-Community Forestry (Lincoln, NE)

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking an Assistant Conservation Forester – Community Forestry to implement and manage grant-funded community forestry projects in Lincoln, NE. You will work with a range of stakeholders to deliver tree planting, care, removal, and workforce development initiatives.

The role requires strong communication, independence, and organizational skills, along with the ability to travel and present to groups as needed. An EO/AA employer.

Qualifications

• Associate degree plus one year of related community forestry/tree resource experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and university driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist field staff with coordinating programs funded by Inflation Reduction Act grants.
• Collaborate with community leaders to implement grant-funded tree planting and forestry projects.
• Inspect projects and assist leaders with administrative tasks and grant compliance.

Skills

Communication

Independent worker

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Forestry knowledge

Education

Associate degree in forestry or related field

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

Job description

Assistant Conservation Forester-Community Forestry (Lincoln, NE)

The Nebraska Forest Service ( NFS ) and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum provide technical and financial assistance to clients across Nebraska, emphasizing rural forestry, community forestry, forest fuels reduction, forest health, forest products utilization, and fire protection. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Nebraskans by protecting, restoring, and utilizing Nebraska’s tree and forest resources. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is part of the Nebraska Forest Service, and this position will focus on implementing community forestry programs.

As an Assistant Conservation Forester – Community Forestry, you will:

• Assist field staff with coordinating and delivering programs relating to the Inflation Reduction Act grants awarded to both organizations.
• Work with community leaders and various stakeholders to implement grant-funded projects related to tree planting, tree care, tree removal, and forestry workforce development.
• Inspect and advise on community projects and assisting project leaders with administrative work associated with the projects and grant requirements.

This position is based in Lincoln, NE. Other locations within Nebraska that are acceptable to the NSA and NFS would be considered.

The employee must work with many groups, including public and private landowners, agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, professionals, and youth. Some overnight travel and public speaking are necessary.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to meet better the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The University fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so all individuals can participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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:

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, wildlife, biology, entomology, horticulture or closely related field plus one year of experience completing projects related to community forestry/tree/natural resource management, tree planting and design, tree inventories, or closely related activities. Equivalent education/experience considered and may include a combination of formal post-secondary education with at least 15 credit hours in biological sciences, natural resources, horticulture, forestry, or agriculture OR ISA certification.
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and implement forestry or natural resources activities.
• Ability to implement and maintain projects and activities, including documenting progress and preparing reports as guided by a supervisor.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in written form.
• Self-starter with a proven record of organizational skills.
• Knowledge of tree and forestry practices relevant to community forestry.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, entomology or closely related field plus three years of experience providing landowner assistance with community forestry, tree and forest management, natural resources management, horticulture, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of community forestry, tree care, community landscapes and/or Great Plains forestry.
• Skills with technology and forestry applications needed to complete community forestry tasks.
• Experience providing presentations to groups and working with diverse groups of people.

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes