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Conservation Officer Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Director of Technical Species

Omaha, NE · On-site

$77K/yr

Reporting directly to the Chief Zoological Officer, this position serves as a key member of the ... Conservation, Research, and External Relations * Support and advance conservation initiatives ...

Posted today

All JobsConservation Officer JobsConservation Officer Jobs in Nebraska

Conservation Officer information

See Nebraska salary details

$22.4K

$72.4K

$174K

How much do conservation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation officer in Nebraska is $72,394.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,100.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation officer?

Conservation Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for protecting natural resources, wildlife, and public lands. They enforce environmental laws, educate the public about conservation, and ensure compliance with regulations related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Conservation Officers often patrol parks, forests, and waterways, investigate environmental crimes, and collaborate with other agencies to promote sustainable resource use. Their work helps preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity for future generations.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Officer, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, wildlife management, and law enforcement, typically backed by a relevant degree and sometimes POST certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping, evidence collection tools, and regulatory databases is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication are vital for interacting with the public and resolving conflicts. These skills ensure the effective protection of natural resources, enforcement of environmental laws, and productive community engagement.

What are some common challenges conservation officers face in the field and how can they prepare for them?

Conservation Officers often encounter challenging situations such as working in remote locations, dealing with unpredictable weather, and interacting with individuals who may be violating environmental laws. They must be prepared for physical demands, potential confrontations, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. Staying physically fit, continuously updating knowledge of laws and local ecosystems, and participating in regular training can greatly help Conservation Officers navigate these challenges safely and effectively.

What is the difference between Conservation Officer vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation OfficerWildlife Technician
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or natural resource degree, certifications in conservationWildlife biology or related degree, field-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, enforcement activitiesField surveys, data collection, habitat management
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsResearch institutions, wildlife agencies, NGOs

Both Conservation Officers and Wildlife Technicians work in natural environments and require related degrees. Conservation Officers often focus on enforcement and community engagement, while Wildlife Technicians primarily handle field data collection and habitat management. They share similar certifications and work in overlapping settings, but their roles differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is becoming a conservation officer hard?

Becoming a conservation officer typically requires completing relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, wildlife management, or a related field, along with passing physical and written exams. The job can be competitive and often involves on-the-job training, certifications, and experience in law enforcement or natural resource management.

What degree do you need to be a conservation officer?

Conservation officers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, wildlife management, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of local ecosystems, law enforcement, and often certification in first aid or law enforcement training, depending on the jurisdiction.

What does a conservation officer do?

A conservation officer enforces laws and regulations related to wildlife, natural resources, and environmental protection. They conduct patrols, investigate violations, educate the public, and may require certifications in law enforcement or environmental science. Their work often involves outdoor activity and collaboration with agencies to preserve ecosystems.
More about Conservation Officer jobs

What job categories do people searching Conservation Officer jobs in Nebraska look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Officer jobs in Nebraska are:

What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Conservation Officer jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Conservation Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Officer jobs in NE?

For Conservation Officer jobs in NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Conservation Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Officer job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,394 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Gift Planning Officer (Planned Giving)

Arbor Day Foundation

Lincoln, NE • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? Are you energized by building meaningful relationships that help donors create a lasting impact for generations to come? The Arbor Day Foundation is a place where you can do work that matters with people who care. As we say at the Foundation: life is short, love where you work.    

As one of the world's largest conservation organizations, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We help people understand and use trees as a solution to global issues (like air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger) that are critical to survival.    

Join the Arbor Day Foundation as a Gift Planning Officer on the Development team to grow and strengthen our planned giving program. You’ll play a pivotal role in cultivating donor relationships, securing legacy gifts, and building a pipeline that supports long-term mission impact. 
Your Support System:  

  • You’ll report to the Director, Development 
  • You’ll collaborate with Development Officers, Individual Engagement, Marketing, and cross-functional partners including legal and accounting to secure and steward planned gifts effectively 

How we work:   

  • Location: Lincoln, Nebraska  
  • Schedule: In-office Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; optional remote work on Wednesday and Friday.  
  • Travel: 10–15% for donor visits, events, and trainings 

What you’ll do:  

  • Cultivate, solicit, and secure planned gifts including bequests, estate gifts, and gifts of non-cash assets 
  • Build and manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects, guiding donors from initial engagement through commitment 
  • Develop lead generation strategies and donor experiences in partnership with Marketing and Individual Engagement 
  • Identify major gift opportunities within the planned giving pipeline and collaborate with Development Officers to grow lifetime giving 
  • Deliver a high-quality, personalized donor experience through thoughtful outreach, stewardship, and relationship management 
  • Leverage tools such as CRM, FreeWill, and DonorSearch to support pipeline growth and reporting 
  • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions, commitments, and strategies 
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure planned gifts are properly processed, documented, and stewarded 
  • Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen donor experience and operational efficiency 

What you'll bring:  

  • Passion for the Foundation’s mission, nature, environmental stewardship, and people 
  • Experience in planned giving, major gifts, financial planning, estate planning, charitable advising, or related relationship-based work 
  • Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and gifts of non-cash assets (stock, real estate, etc.) 
  • Ability to analyze donor data, identify high-potential prospects, and prioritize pipeline opportunities 
  • Proven ability to build and steward meaningful donor relationships and secure philanthropic commitments 
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex giving strategies into clear, compelling conversations 
  • A highly relational, detail-oriented approach with professionalism, empathy, and discretion 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build strong cross-functional partnerships 

What success looks like: 

  • Growth in planned giving pipeline, including qualified prospects and confirmed commitments 
  • Strong conversion of donor engagement into documented gift intentions 
  • High-quality donor stewardship and relationship consistency 
  • Accurate CRM documentation and portfolio management 
  • Continuous improvement in processes and donor experience 

Love Where You Work: Your Benefits & Perks   

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. Highlights include:  

Health & Insurance  

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage – Multiple plan options, including PPO and HDHP.  
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance – $15,000 basic coverage, plus voluntary options.  
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability – Fully covered by the company.  
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential counseling and resources for you and your family.  
  • Supplemental Insurance Options – Accident, Critical Illness (includes infertility coverage), and Hospital Indemnity plans available for additional protection.  

Financial Wellness  

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Immediate eligibility with company match up to 5%; full vesting after 5 years.  
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account – Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.  

Time Off & Leave  

  • Paid Holidays – Eight paid holidays, one floating holiday, and an annual “Unplug Time” during the holidays.  
  • Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid for birthing parents; 2 weeks paid for non-birthing parents. Also including for adoptions.   
  • Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, volunteer time off  

Learning & Growth  

  • Professional Development – Access to LinkedIn Learning and tuition reimbursement.  
  • Annual Learning Goal – Encouraged to spend 40+ hours on development.  

Wellness & Perks  

  • HealthJoy App – Included with health plan for easy care navigation.  
  • Wellness & Recognition – Incentives, recognition gifts awarded for work anniversaries & birthdays  
  • Exclusive Discounts & Free Admission – Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, golf and more.  

How to apply  

We’re excited you’re considering growing your career with us. After you apply, we aim to follow up within two weeks - and you’ll hear from us either way.  

Our hiring process typically includes:  

  1. Recruiter conversation (phone)   
  2. Hiring manager interview (in-person/virtual) 
  3. On-site interview with team members and leadership  

You’ll be kept informed at every step. To begin, submit your application with a resume and responses to the application questions. Every application is reviewed by a real person - we do not use AI to select applicants.  

The Arbor Day Foundation is an equal opportunity employer  

The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against Team Members or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [“protected class”] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform servicemember status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.   

We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm your authorization to work in the U.S. 

 If you need reasonable accommodation to complete your application or participate in the interview process, please contact us at 402-474-5655. 

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