Applicants for all positions within the NRD are required to complete this general application form and submit it with other materials. 

This position is shared between the Upper Big Blue NRD and the Nebraska Forest Service (UNL). Applications will be submitted via the UNL system: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/94239

Communications Intern

Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District

Location: 319 E 25^th St, York, Nebraska

Pay: $14/hour

Hours: 5-10 hours per week

Timeline: 2025 Spring Semester 

Position Description:

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District is seeking an organized and creative Communications Intern to assist our team in promoting our mission and programs across many platforms. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of communication and conservation. The position can be tailored to the special skills and areas of interest for the intern. Hours can be flexible to work with the class schedule of the intern.

Responsibilities may include:

• Writing press releases and articles
• Creating engaging social media content
• Capturing photos and videos at district events and recreation areas
• Editing photos and videos
• Assisting with events
• Proofreading publications
• Communicating with district schools

Qualifications:

• Strong communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite
• Basic understanding of graphic design or video editing (preferred)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to chouston@upperbigblue.org.

To apply for this position, please send a resume a completed general application form to deigenberg@upperbigblue.org or mail to the NRD at 319 E 25th St, York, NE 68467
 

The District’s Facility Maintenance Worker performs a variety of tasks supporting the upkeep of facilities, grounds and recreation areas.  Position is overseen by the Projects Department Manager with site supervision by Lead Maintenance Worker.  Duties of this entry level position includes light equipment operation, vehicle and equipment servicing and a member of the tree planting crew. 

• PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Maintain District recreation areas: 
    • Mows grass with tractor, skid steer mounted, rider, or hand power mowers. 
    • Trims and edges around walks, planting beds, and buildings or shelters. 
    • Controls weeds by digging, cutting, or spraying herbicides.
    • Plants grass, trees, and shrubs.  
    • Applies insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers to trees, shrubs, and grass. 
    • Waters new and established plantings. 
    • Prunes shrubs and trees 
    • Cleans grounds and removes litter. 
    • Maintains recreation area trails and roads. 
    • Maintains picnic shelters, tables, grills, and restrooms. 
    • Repairs fences and gates.
  • Tree Planting Crew Member:
    • Sorts, inventories, and stores seedling trees. 
    • Delivers trees to local field offices. 
    • Plants seedling trees for district customers, through the use of a tractor mounted planter. 
    • Perform survivability counts on newly planted trees
  • Services District vehicle fleet:
    • Garaging, fueling, cleaning, and periodic preventative maintenance. 
    • Delivers vehicles to auto repair shops for repairs and major services. 
    • Services tractor and equipment. 
    • Maintains hand and garden tools, sharpens mower blades. 
    • Maintains maintenance records.
  • Performs light maintenance on the facility:
    • Minor repairs, 
    • Grounds upkeep. 
    • Removes snow from walks and driveways. 
    • Spreads sand on sidewalks and ramps to prevent ice buildup.
  • Assists Projects Department:
    • Tree removal, dam outlet works repair, 
    • Fence and gate repair, and channel mowing.
    • Other duties as assigned by the Projects Department Manager 
• QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 
• EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one to customers, clients, and district staff.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Current State of Nebraska driver’s license and CDL or ability to obtain a CDL required.
• OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Experience operating tractors, skid steers and mowers. Experience performing light vehicle and equipment daily maintenance. Experience working with trees, both planting and trimming. Ability to do light construction work. Ability to do building maintenance.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The employee is expected to comply with the District’s personnel, drug-free and alcohol-free workplace, and safety policies. While representing the District, the employee will conduct him or herself in a professional manner and avoid actions or comments that would reflect unfavorably on the District.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time position (starting wage $37,500- $42,500 negotiable with experience). The Upper Big Blue NRD offers:

• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits within 30 days of hire.
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Affordable dependent health insurance available
• Employer matching retirement
• 10 Paid holidays
• Separate vacation and sick leave hours
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program

The District’s Water Resources Technician performs a variety of water related tasks to support the Water Department Manager. This position provides support to both groundwater quantity and quality programs. This will include data collection, working one on one with producers, assistance in education activities, rules enforcement, and violation investigations. Start dates are flexible.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform flow meter installation and maintenance inspections
• Conduct chemigation inspections
• Collect water level measurements
• Collect water quality samples following quality assurance and quality control standards
• Other duties as assigned by the water department manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree in natural resources, water sciences, environmental sciences, or agriculture
• Natural Resources Groundwater Technician License (may be obtained after employment)
• Hold a valid Driver’s License
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with people
• Capability to work independently and take responsibility for results
• Effectively present information to management and the public thru written and verbal communication
• Microsoft Office Suite experience desirable
• General knowledge of production agriculture helpful

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Loading and unloading a 4-wheeler from the bed of a pickup or trailer
• Lifting 50 pounds from ground level
• Operate monitoring well pumping equipment
• Operate equipment such as tractors with loaders and lawnmowers
• Perform laboratory functions where fumes and airborne particles may be present
• Work in close proximity to irrigation wells, both combustion engine and electric, with power take off (PTO) shafts and noise
• Walk in uneven and muddy terrain

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The employee is expected to comply with the policies outlined in the Upper Big Blue NRD’s employee handbook, including the drug-free and alcohol-free workplace policies, anti-harassment, and safety policies. While representing the district the employee will conduct him or herself in a professional manner and avoid actions or comments that would reflect unfavorably on the NRD. Applicants graduating from college less than 5 years ago please include a photocopy of your college transcript.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time position (starting wage $50,000-$54,000 negotiable with experience). The Upper Big Blue NRD offers:

• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits within 30 days of hire.
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Affordable dependent health insurance available
• Employer matching retirement
• 10 Paid holidays
• Separate vacation and sick leave hours
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program

To be considered, please submit an application, cover letter, resume, and contact information including the e-mail addresses for three professional and one personal references. Applicants graduating from college less than 5 years ago, please include a photocopy of your college transcript. Both USPS and electronic formats are welcome. Submit information to Terry Julesgard at tjulesgard@upperbigblue.org by December 27, 2024. (This position will remain open until filled.) 

The Upper Big Blue NRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age, protected Veterans status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.