1

Conservation Land Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

At Nebraska Game and Parks, our vision is to provide access to healthy land, waters and wildlife ... conservation in Nebraska. We work with partners to manage our parklands and trails for outdoor ...

Social Media Specialist

Lincoln, NE · On-site +1

$19.47/hr

At Nebraska Game and Parks, our vision is to provide access to healthy land, waters and wildlife ... conservation in Nebraska. We work with partners to manage our parklands and trails for outdoor ...

Conservation Land Manager information

See Nebraska salary details

$31.9K

$100.7K

$175.4K

How much do conservation land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation land manager in Nebraska is $100,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $122,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conservation land manager do?

A Conservation Land Manager is responsible for overseeing the protection, maintenance, and restoration of natural lands and habitats. They develop and implement land management plans, monitor ecosystems, manage invasive species, and work to enhance biodiversity. These professionals often collaborate with government agencies, conservation organizations, and the public to ensure sustainable land use and long-term preservation of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation land manager?

To thrive as a Conservation Land Manager, you need expertise in ecology, land management, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, land monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance certifications is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving long-term conservation goals.

What are some common challenges conservation land managers face when balancing ecological goals with public access needs?

Conservation Land Managers often need to strike a careful balance between protecting sensitive habitats and providing safe, enjoyable access for the public. This can involve managing trail networks to minimize environmental impact, educating visitors on responsible recreation, and coordinating with stakeholders such as local government and community groups. Adapting management plans to address invasive species, climate change, and changing visitor patterns are also common challenges. Collaborative problem-solving and adaptive management strategies are key to success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Conservation Land Manager vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation Land ManagerWildlife Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like GIS or habitat managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, or related field; often requires state-specific wildlife permits
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing protected lands, collaborating with agencies, overseeing conservation projectsFieldwork monitoring wildlife, collecting data, assisting with habitat surveys
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, land trusts, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, research institutions, environmental NGOs

While both roles focus on conservation, Conservation Land Managers oversee land use and habitat preservation, whereas Wildlife Technicians primarily assist with wildlife monitoring and data collection. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is land management a good career?

A conservation land manager oversees the preservation and sustainable use of natural areas, often requiring knowledge of ecology, environmental policies, and land management tools. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in environmental protection, with opportunities for fieldwork, collaboration, and certification in related areas. Job stability and growth depend on government and private sector funding and environmental priorities.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Land Manager jobs in Nebraska?

For Conservation Land Manager jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Conservation Land Manager job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,670 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Soil Conservationist (District Conservationist)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Spencer, NE • On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Natural Resources Conservation Service rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
The incumbent serves as a District Conservationist assisting the Conservation Districts within the managerial unit, consisting of one or more counties or districts, in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. The incumbent performs expert professional duties to achieve an integrated system of sound land use and conservation treatment in harmony with the capability and needs of the land and landowner.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • Works in collaboration with landowner to provide detailed conservation system and practice implementation including conservation practice design, layout, construction, inspection and certification.
  • Management, operation and maintenance of the planned conservation system and practices according to the Field Office Technical Guide standards and specifications as well as comply with all federal, state and local regulations.
  • Informs and educates the landowner of conservation technical assistance and financial assistance to consider for conservation system and practice implementation. This includes oversight, management and administration for Farm Bill programs.
  • Independently provides leadership with conservation planning of natural resources and other activities in cooperation with the Conservation District, tribes, and conservation partners to address resource concerns on private lands.
  • Coordinates interagency delivery of conservation assistance to private landowners and others to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the state's natural resources.
  • Partners with other conservation entities to provide long-term commitment to the local, state and federal government conservation delivery system to help private landowners, communities and others conserve natural resources within the state.
  • Responsible for supervision of federal employees located in multiple field offices and liaison between state and district employees. Independently ensure quality and quantity of work, review work of subordinates and accept, revise, or reject work.
  • Sets performance standards and evaluates performance for subordinates.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. If selected, you may be sent instructions on obtaining fingerprints. Please note we are unable to reimburse for any fees incurred.
  • Probationary and Trial Period - Successful completion of a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period unls previous federal service is creditable. Refer to Next Steps for more information.
  • Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state motor vehicle operator's license for the type of vehicle(s) operated to perform the duties of the position. This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on public and private roads during daylight hours and
    occasionally after dark.
  • Performs duties in a supportive manner of a safe and healthy work environment. The employee exercises caution and maintains all safety requirements when exposed to dangerous objects, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
  • Conservation Planning Role Designation - Incumbent will be designated to serve as a Conservation Planner by the State Conservationist (or designee). In accordance with Title 180 General Manual, Part 409, incumbent will be required to obtain
    necessary requirements to serve within determined designated certified conservation planner role.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-11 grade level for consideration for the GS-12 grade level).
Basic Education Requirement:
Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science;
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education comparable to a 4 year degree. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.
Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through federal service. This experience must include knowledge of the principles and theories of soil and water conservation and related sciences such as biology, agronomy, and forestry, in identifying conservation related problems. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Analyzing workloads, developing and implementing annual work or business plans, and establishing goals within the constraints of funding and staff availability.
  • Directing technical guidance and assistance to groups and individuals on topics such as soil interpretations, erosion control measures, pest and invasive species control, water quality improvements, livestock management, wildlife habitat, and forest management.
  • Preparing complex conservation or resource management plans and providing financial or implementation assistance.
  • Communicating and sharing technical information and explaining issues related to natural resource conservation, problems, and solutions to landowners, residents, and land managers.
  • Implementing and/or managing natural resources programs and practices which involve exercising initiative and resourcefulness.

Note: There is no education substitution for the GS-12 level.
For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-PROF
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
College Transcript: You must submit a copy of your college transcripts or a list of college courses with credit hours, dates completed, and grades received to verify all education requirements (i.e. substitution of education and/or basic education requirement). If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g. special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college for that particular course to ensure you are properly evaluated. Please note that qualifications determinations are based solely on the information submitted for each particular vacancy announcement. You must document all requirements on every vacancy; we cannot use previous determinations as a basis for rating. All required information must be received by the closing date of this announcement, and non-submission of all required documents/documentation will result in non-consideration. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. This information must be received by the closing date of this announcement. Non-submission of these documents will result in non-consideration.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Promotion Potential: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Physical Demands: The incumbent must walk extensively through rough terrain, over ditches, and climb steep banks. Some physical exertion is required.
Work Environment: The incumbent works under conditions that involve moderate discomforts due to adverse weather. Works near farm and earth moving machinery and may be exposed to toxic chemicals, poisonous insects and irritating plants.
Telework: This position is eligible for telework as determined by the agency policy.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
Bargaining Unit: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 a

What Natural Resources Conservation Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom