The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) provides 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 Nebraska's citizens by protecting, restoring and utilizing Nebraska's tree and forest resources.

NFS is seeking enthusiastic, qualified applicants to join our team of dedicated staff working towards improving the health, resiliency and sustainability of Nebraska's trees and forests. Providing direct, technical assistance to stakeholders, the Forester (focused on providing forest management technical assistance) will play a key role in providing the resources necessary for clients to achieve their tree and forest goals.

This position will coordinate and deliver forestry program activities for the NFS in their surrounding areas. The employee is required to work with many different groups including landowners, agencies, nonprofits, volunteers, professionals and youth. Some overnight travel and public speaking is necessary. Position is based in O'Neill, Nebraska.

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 better meet 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 are able to 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.

Bachelor's degree or equivalency in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, entomology or closely related field plus one year of experience providing assistance with tree and forest management, natural resources management, forest products, horticulture, entomology or closely related field. Equivalent education may include a combination of formal post-secondary education with at least 24 credit hours in biological sciences, natural resources, wildland fire management, forestry, or agriculture; OR arborist certification from ISA; OR NWCG qualifications (e.g. Engine Boss or similar level) appropriate for position focus area. 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.

Four years of experience providing assistance with tree and forest management, natural resources 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.