Conservation Forester - Community Forestry

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Conservation Forester for Community Forestry in Lincoln, Nebraska. The role focuses on coordinating and delivering programs related to community landscapes, planting, care, and workforce development, with emphasis on grant-funded projects.

Responsibilities include engaging diverse stakeholders, providing technical plant recommendations, and supporting statewide landscape program activities for NFS and NSA. Travel and public speaking are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, landscape design or closely related field plus one year of relevant experience.
• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders to respond to needs in community landscape, forest, and natural resources.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining projects with progress reporting.
• Solid working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, landscape design, community forestry practices, basic grant management, sustainable landscape principles, and community development.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work with community leaders and stakeholders to implement grant-funded projects focused on tree planting, care, removal, and community forestry workforce development.
• Provide technical assistance by developing plant recommendations, evaluating projects, and creating strategies to achieve goals of NFS, NSA, and clients.
• Coordinate and deliver community landscape program activities statewide for NFS and NSA.
• Collaborate with public/private landowners, agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, professionals, and youth.

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Conservation Forester - Community Forestry

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title Conservation Forester - Community Forestry

Requisition Number S_240927

Posting Open Date 09/11/2024

Application Review Date 10/22/2024

Open Until Filled Yes

Work Location Lincoln, NE

The Nebraska Forest Service ( NFS ) and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum ( NSA ) 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 Urban and Community Forestry Program emphasizes caring, planting, and managing public landscapes and community trees. In collaboration with the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, this position will support coordinating and delivering programs related to the Inflation Reduction Act funding awarded to NFS and NSA.

As a Conservation Forester – Community Forestry, you will:

• Work with community leaders and stakeholders to implement grant-funded projects focused on tree planting, care, removal, and community forestry workforce development.
• Provide technical assistance by developing plant recommendations, evaluating projects, and creating strategies to achieve the goals of NFS , NSA , and our clients.
• Coordinate and deliver community landscape program activities for the NFS and NSA statewide.
• Work with many different groups, including public and private landowners, agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, professionals, and youth.

The position requires knowledge of general landscape and forestry practices, basic grant management, sustainable landscape principles, and community development work. Some overnight travel and public speaking are necessary. The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we are committed to advancing knowledge, enriching lives, and contributing to the global community.

We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits including:

• Tuition remission for full-time employees and dependents
• Retirement plans with university match
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• A diverse and inclusive workplace

We are looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference!

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 that 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: http://www.unl.edu/equity/noticenondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, landscape design or closely related field plus one year of experience assisting with tree and forest management, natural resources management, forest products, horticulture, landscape design or closely related field.
• Ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders to respond to needs in community landscape, forest, and natural resources.
• Skilled in developing, implementing, and maintaining projects, with experience in documenting progress and preparing reports.
• Demonstrated expertise in the relevant focus area, with a solid working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet data management, landscape design, community forestry practices, basic grant management, sustainable landscape principles, and community development.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Four years of experience providing assistance with community landscapes, horticulture, tree and forest management, natural resources management, landscape design or closely related field
• Extensive interpersonal, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, along with supervisory experience in leading a team.
• In-depth knowledge of community forestry, tree care, community landscapes, and horticulture.
• Proficiency in GPS , ArcGIS, Tree Plotter, and data management software, familiarity with Canva design software.

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Describe your experience in forestry, community forestry, landscape design or related natural resource field.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please tell us about your experience working with community leaders.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please tell us about your experience working with grant programs.

  (Open Ended Question)