The Area Forester – Fire Program Lead position for the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) is a non-tenure track faculty-equivalent position that provides leadership in wildland fire protection and prevention. The Area Forester will lead a team of wildland fire staff from across the state to implement progressive and innovative wildland fire prevention and protection programming. The Nebraska Forest Service, which is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska, is a dynamic, progressive, and
growing state agency focused on enriching the lives of Nebraskans by protecting, restoring, and utilizing Nebraska’s trees and forests.

This position is in Lincoln, Chadron, Scottsbluff, McCook, or another community in the state that is acceptable to the Nebraska Forest Service.

Responsibilities encompass overseeing and guiding the Wildland Fire Protection and Prevention team in Nebraska and taking charge of developing and executing programs to safeguard life and property. Collaboration with state, federal, and local authorities, as well as volunteer fire departments and conservation groups, is integral to achieving the objectives of the Fire program. Specific duties include administering and leading the fire suppression and prevention efforts in Nebraska by providing leadership in developing and implementing programs to reduce the risk to life and property. This includes working with state, federal, and local officials and stakeholders, including volunteer fire departments and NGOs, to accomplish the program goals and objectives.

SPECIFIC DUTIES-

• Provide statewide leadership with partners in developing, implementing, and monitoring all NFS wildland fire activities, including protection, prevention, and suppression programs.
• Enhance Nebraska’s wildland fire prevention and suppression efforts by serving on state and national teams.
• Coordinate and partner with appropriate governmental agencies, volunteer fire districts, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to accomplish objectives.
• Supervise Wildland Fire Protection unit personnel, including operational planning, individual personnel work planning, reporting, NWCG qualifications, and performance reviews.
• Manage/oversee the Wildland Fire Protection unit, including training, wildland fire academies, aviation resources (SEAT program, Areial Applicator program), prevention, and other areas.
• Assist with policy issues, strategic planning, and accomplishment reporting for the NFS.
• Manage appropriate grant programs, including planning, monitoring, financial tracking, and performance reporting.
• Develop, initiate, and lead wildland fire protection and prevention projects.
• Represent the NFS at appropriate local, state, regional, or national levels and on appropriate wildland fire prevention and protection committees.
• Cooperate with relevant UNL research and teaching efforts related to wildland fire protection.
• Develop, manage, allocate, and track project performance, outcomes, and impacts.
• Work with Senior Leadership in the development of statewide NFS initiatives.
• Coordinate with media to promote programming through traditional and nontraditional platforms.

OTHER DUTIES

• Serve on the NFS Leadership Team and other ad hoc committees as needed to develop, revise, and implement NFS strategies, direction, programs, staffing, and administration.
• Serve as Acting State Forester if requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the above-described duties, the successful individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the Administrative Unit, College/Division, Institute, and/or University level.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Forest Service are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.