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Forester Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

PaperWorks

Utility

Hastings, NE

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, we are committed to the highest sustainable forestry and procurement standards. We want our team members to be proud of the essential work they ...

PaperWorks

Utility

Hastings, NE · On-site

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, we are committed to the highest sustainable forestry and procurement standards. We want our team members to be proud of the essential work they ...

PaperWorks

Utility

Hastings, NE · On-site

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, we are committed to the highest sustainable forestry and procurement standards. We want our team members to be proud of the essential work they ...

City of Omaha

Fleet Maintenance Tech - Night

Omaha, NE · On-site

$34.12/hr

This is skilled maintenance, service, and repairs on light, medium, heavy truck, construction, fire apparatus, gasoline, diesel motorized vehicles, forestry, small engine and golf turf maintenance ...

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance. The Maintenance Supervisor leads and directs the maintenance department team members by ...

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE · On-site

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance. Summary The Maintenance Supervisor leads and directs the maintenance department team ...

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE · On-site

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance. Summary The Maintenance Supervisor leads and directs the maintenance department team ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsForester JobsForester Jobs in Nebraska

Forester information

See Nebraska salary details

$34.3K

$63.1K

$94.9K

How much do forester jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forester in Nebraska is $63,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,300.00 and $79,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you be a forester without a degree?

While a degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field is often preferred for becoming a forester, some entry-level positions may be available to those with relevant experience, certifications, or technical training. However, higher-level roles typically require formal education and knowledge of tools like GIS and GPS, along with understanding forest management practices.

What are some common challenges a forester faces when balancing conservation goals with timber production?

Foresters frequently navigate the challenge of meeting timber harvest targets while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of forest ecosystems. This involves carefully planning harvest schedules, implementing best management practices to minimize environmental impact, and collaborating with stakeholders such as landowners, wildlife biologists, and regulatory agencies. Balancing these priorities can require creative problem-solving and a strong understanding of both ecological processes and industry regulations. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for successfully addressing competing interests and achieving both economic and conservation objectives.

What does a forester do for a job?

A forester manages and conserves forests by planning and implementing activities such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining trees. They assess forest health, use tools like GPS and GIS, and often work outdoors in various weather conditions to ensure sustainable forest management.

What is a forester?

Foresters are tasked with the management of forests and timber, helping to preserve them for years to come. As a forester, your duties revolve around the planning, preservation, and ongoing maintenance of these forests, whether intended for public or private use. Depending on your position, you may be responsible for protecting wildlife areas that already exist within the forest or work to create new habitats for a variety of wildlife species and plant life. Foresters coordinate with many other specialists such as biologists, geologists, and soil experts, as forest conservation is not a job you can accomplish alone.

Is being a forester a good career?

A career as a forester involves managing and conserving forests, often requiring knowledge of ecology, GIS tools, and certification such as the SAF credential. It offers opportunities in environmental management, resource planning, and outdoor work, with employment prospects varying by region and industry demand. Job satisfaction depends on interest in natural resources and outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Forester vs Forest Technician?

AspectForesterForest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, planning, management of forest resourcesFieldwork, data collection, assisting foresters
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, private forestry companies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, research institutions, consulting firms

Foresters typically hold a bachelor's degree and are responsible for managing forest resources, planning timber harvests, and conservation efforts. Forest Technicians usually have an associate's degree and assist foresters with data collection, surveying, and fieldwork. Both roles work closely in forestry projects, but foresters have more advanced responsibilities and decision-making authority.

More about Forester jobs
What job categories do people searching Forester jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Forester jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Forester jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Forester job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Forester jobs in NE? For Forester jobs in NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forester job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,133 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Director - Nebraska Forest Service

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Director - Nebraska Forest Service
Department
Nebraska Forest Service-0889
Requisition Number
F_260069
Posting Open Date
07/02/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
08/10/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications and nominations for a visionary, collaborative, and dynamic leader to serve as the Director of the Nebraska Forest Service and State Forester.
Nebraska holds a unique and proud place in forestry history. As the birthplace of Arbor Day and home to the nation's largest hand-planted forest, innovation, development, and stewardship are woven into our state's forestry identity. The Director will lead a premier, 21st-century conservation agency embedded within a world-class land-grant university. This distinct structure allows the Director to seamlessly bridge cutting-edge research, extension education, and statewide operational impact. The ideal candidate will be an elite blend of an administrator, a public agency executive, and a passionate champion for natural resources. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader ready to champion forest health, pioneer climate-resilient landscapes, and protect communities from wildland fire threats across a diverse and beautiful geography.
The Role & Strategic Mandate
The Director provides leadership for a multi-faceted statewide organization with offices across the state. Managing an agile team of professionals and a complex budget comprising state, federal, and private funding, the Director will oversee key program areas:
  • Wildland Fire Protection: Partnering with rural fire districts to provide training, equipment, and fire suppression strategies.
  • Community Forestry & Sustainable Landscapes: Partnering with communities to elevate urban canopy through training, funding and outreach. Overseeing PlantNebraska - formerly the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, a member-based nonprofit organization.
  • Rural Forestry: Assisting private landowners with forest management, wildfire mitigation, agroforestry, and wood product utilization.
  • Forest Health: Diagnosing and mitigating threats to forest health.

Key Responsibilities
  • Administrative Leadership: Provide strategic direction, operational management, and financial stewardship for the agency's personnel, facilities, and diverse funding portfolio.
  • Partnership & Advocacy: Cultivate deep, trusted relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, Council of Western State Foresters (CWSF), the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), state legislators, commodity groups, and private landowners.
  • University Integration: Align NFS goals with the broader research, teaching, and Extension missions of IANR and the School of Natural Resources.
  • Public Voice: Serve as the primary advocate and public face of the Nebraska Forest Service.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • A Master's degree.
  • A Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Fire Science, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated administrative experience within a forestry, natural resources, or public agency.
  • A proven track record of managing and operationalizing substantial budgets, including grants and cooperative agreements.
  • A proven track record of leadership experience managing people, resources, and complex projects across multiple programs or divisions.
  • Demonstrated experience advocating for agency priorities, funding, and/or policy support.

Preferred Qualifications
  • A Master's degree in forestry.
  • A Ph.D. in forestry, fisheries and/or wildlife, or closely related field.
  • Proven experience working in forestry, wildland fire, or forestry-related professions.
  • Proven leadership in a public service agency, including transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources.
  • Demonstrated excellence in communicating with internal and external audiences.
  • Experience setting and carrying out the strategic direction for an organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead employees in a way that supports and encourages professional growth and career advancement.
  • Demonstrated success securing external funding and developing strategic partnerships to advance organizational priorities, expand capacity, and support long-term sustainability.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex budgets and distributing resources to accomplish strategic goals.
  • Experience leading organizations through crisis situations, emergency response, or complex operational challenges.
  • Demonstrated understanding of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards, Incident Command System (ICS) principles, and interagency wildland fire management practices.
  • Experience working in an academic institution.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job" and then "Faculty Application." Complete the application and attach the following required documents:
  1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job.
  2. Your curriculum vitae.
  3. Contact information for three professional references.
  4. A statement describing your philosophy and approach to:
    • Budget and resource management.
    • Addressing current and emerging challenges in Forestry and Natural Resources.
    • Establishing intermediate and long-term goals for the Nebraska Forest Service.
  5. A statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to environments where every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.

Please combine the statements (items 4 and 5) into a single document and attach as "Other Document."
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Rachel Szelag
rszelag2@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Academic Administrative
Job Type
12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location

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