Open Rank Area Forester – Fire Program Lead

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, with a focus on wildland fire protection or a closely related degree.
• Five (5) years of related experience.
• Specialized knowledge of fire behavior and wildfire suppression.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and experience with staff administration.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee wildland suppression and prevention activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the use of aerial assets for fire suppression.
• Excellent communication, planning, interpersonal, technology, and administrative skill set.
• Demonstrated ability to provide accurate and complete record-keeping and recording.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in forestry specializing in wildland fire protection, fire sciences, or a closely related field.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in wildland fire management and five (5) years of experience in supervisory and program administration.
• NWCG Type 3 Incident Command (IC 3 or higher qualification) or equivalent qualification coupled with relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in wildland fire suppression, displaying a proven track record and comprehensive understanding of Fire and Aviation Management.
• Certification as an NWCG SEAT Base Manager or with similar NWCG qualifications.
• Demonstrated track record of supervisory expertise encompassing staff administration, program management, and incident command.
• Demonstrated success in developing and effectively executing short to medium-term projects and program objectives.
• A track record of recognizing, delineating, and executing opportunities for both new initiatives and the enhancement of existing programs.
• Proven experience in wildfire suppression and prevention methodologies, evidenced by a documented history of successful implementation.
• Knowledge in defining, guiding, and executing strategic and operational planning.
• Proven capability in effectively managing and supervising programs, projects, operations, and personnel.
• Proven capacity to engage and cultivate partner support effectively.
• Demonstrated proficiency in communication, planning, interpersonal relations, technology utilization, and administrative tasks.
• Proven record of delivering precise and comprehensive programmatic reports.

Application Process

Review of applications to begin on October 4, 2024 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_240123. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions, and your experience contributing to inclusive environments.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.