ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Forestry Operations Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard ... Manages, coordinates and research vendors and contractors. Interfaces with outside resources on ...

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE · On-site

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard ... Manages budget requirements. * Recommends, plans, and implements equipment needs to improve ...

PaperWorks

Maintenance Supervisor

Hastings, NE

PaperWorks' products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and 100% Recycled Paperboard ... Manages, coordinates and research vendors and contractors. Interfaces with outside resources on ...

EMS Unlimited

Program Director - Paramedic

Aurora, NE

$85K/yr

... team under USDA Forest Service Blanket Purchase Agreements. This position will support a new ... Manage the station's operational performance and budget responsibility, and report on KPIs to the ...

EMS Unlimited

Program Director - Paramedic

Aurora, NE · On-site

... team under USDA Forest Service Blanket Purchase Agreements. This position will support a new ... Manage the station's operational performance and budget responsibility, and report on KPIs to the ...

EMS Unlimited

Program Director - Paramedic

Aurora, NE · On-site

$85K/yr

... team under USDA Forest Service Blanket Purchase Agreements. This position will support a new ... Manage the station's operational performance and budget responsibility, and report on KPIs to the ...

Pacificlife

Entra ID/ Active Directory Ops Engineer

Omaha, NE · Hybrid

$50.50 - $66/hr

We're actively seeking a talented Identity and Access Management (IAM) Operations Engineer to work ... Design, deploy, and manage Active Directory (AD) environments including forests, domains, OUs ...

Ryan Lawn & Tree Inc

Mowing Crew Lead

Omaha, NE · On-site

$55K/yr

Communicate effectively with irrigation, turf, and forestry route managers to ensure every client ... This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the operation of vehicles and equipment. All ...

Ryan Lawn & Tree Inc

Mowing Crew Lead

Omaha, NE · On-site

$55K/yr

Communicate effectively with irrigation, turf, and forestry route managers to ensure every client ... This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the operation of vehicles and equipment. All ...

Ryan Lawn & Tree Inc

Mowing Crew Lead

Omaha, NE · On-site

$55K/yr

Communicate effectively with irrigation, turf, and forestry route managers to ensure every client ... This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the operation of vehicles and equipment. All ...

Ryan Lawn & Tree, Inc.

Mowing Crew Lead

Omaha, NE · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Communicate effectively with irrigation, turf, and forestry route managers to ensure every client ... This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the operation of vehicles and equipment. All ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsForestry Operations JobsForestry Operations Manager JobsForestry Operations Manager Jobs in Nebraska

Forestry Operations Manager information

See Nebraska salary details

$29.6K

$60.5K

$113K

How much do forestry operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forestry operations manager in Nebraska is $60,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $73,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forestry Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forestry Operations Manager, you need expertise in forest management, resource planning, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, forest inventory tools, and relevant certifications like SAF Certified Forester are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills ensure sustainable forest operations, legal compliance, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What does an operations forester do?

An operations forester manages forest activities such as timber harvesting, reforestation, and forest health monitoring. They plan and oversee field operations, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and use tools like GPS and GIS for mapping and planning. Strong knowledge of forestry practices and certifications like SAF are often required.

What is the highest salary in forestry?

The highest salaries for Forestry Operations Managers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in large organizations or regions with high demand for forest management expertise. Senior managers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as SAF (Society of American Foresters) often earn the top compensation in the field.

What is the difference between Forestry Operations Manager vs Forest Technician?

AspectForestry Operations ManagerForest Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in forestry or related field; often requires experience in managementAssociate's degree or technical certification in forestry or environmental science
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates operations in forest sitesWorks in the field assisting with data collection, planting, and site assessments
Industry UsageUsed in forestry companies, government agencies, and environmental organizations for managerial roles

The Forestry Operations Manager focuses on overseeing forest projects, managing teams, and strategic planning, while the Forest Technician supports fieldwork, data collection, and site assessments. Both roles are essential in forestry operations but differ in responsibilities and required experience.

What does a Forestry Operations Manager do?

A Forestry Operations Manager oversees and coordinates the activities involved in managing forests and forest resources. Their responsibilities include planning and supervising logging operations, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, managing budgets, and coordinating with contractors and government agencies. They also focus on sustainable forestry practices, resource conservation, and the safety of workers. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as knowledge of forestry regulations and best practices.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry are typically executive roles such as Forest Operations Directors or Chief Foresters, who oversee large-scale forest management and strategic planning. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the size of the organization and location.

What are common challenges faced by Forestry Operations Managers and how can they be addressed?

Forestry Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing sustainable harvesting practices with production targets, ensuring worker safety in remote or hazardous environments, and adapting to regulatory changes. Effective communication with team members and stakeholders, ongoing training, and staying informed about best practices in sustainable forestry are essential to overcoming these challenges. Additionally, leveraging technology for planning and monitoring operations can help streamline processes and maintain compliance.

What is the highest paying job in the forest service?

The highest paying positions in the forest service are typically senior leadership roles such as Forest Supervisor or Regional Forester, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and often specialized certifications. These roles oversee large areas and budgets, with salaries often exceeding $150,000 annually. Higher salaries may also be available for specialized roles like Forest Service Chief or other executive-level positions.
What are popular job titles related to Forestry Operations Manager jobs in Nebraska? For Forestry Operations Manager jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forestry Operations Manager jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Forestry Operations Manager jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Forestry Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Forestry Operations Manager job openings:
Forestry Operations Manager jobs near you
Director - Nebraska Forest Service

Director - Nebraska Forest Service

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 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

Apply