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

This position performs and directs work supporting forestry and maintenance programs. Administers forestry, and wildlife habitat programs. Participates in grounds, building, and recreation area maintenance for the District, including light equipment operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Forestry: Directs and participates in work supporting forestry programs within the guidelines established by the Projects Manager. Manages the tree planting and wildlife habitat program. Assists landowners with tree planting plans for windbreaks, forestry, and wildlife plantings. Assists landowners with species selection and planting layout. Oversees tree ordering, pickup, sorting, storage, delivery, and planting. Coordinates tree inventory and sales data, as well as planting schedules with Office Department. Administers the community forestry, and parks cost-sharing programs. Advises landowners on suitability of lands for habitat and potential or current tree disease. Administers approved contracts, including periodic inspections. Coordinates program with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.  
  
  When the Forestry and Maintenance Worker is not working with forestry programs, he or she would become the fourth member of the maintenance team, participating in all facility maintenance duties.
   
• Maintenance- Mows grass with tractor mounted, rider, or hand power mowers; trims and edges around walks, planting beds, buildings and shelters; controls weeds by digging, cutting, or spraying herbicides; uses insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizes grass as necessary; seeds grass; irrigates new and established plantings; cleans campgrounds restrooms, pick up litter and removes trash; maintains roadways, recreation area trails, picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms facilities; repairs fences and gates. 
  
  Performs light maintenance on the office building, including minor repairs, light bulb changing, and grounds upkeep. Maintains planting beds, and controls weeds. Removes snow from walks and driveways. Arranges for heavy snow removal when necessary. Spreads salt on sidewalks and ramps to prevent ice buildup. 
  
  Assists Projects Department by performing light project maintenance, such as tree removal, dam outlet works repair, fence and gate repair, and channel mowing. Perform other tasks as assigned by Projects 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Associate degree in natural resources or five years related experience including tree planning skill set; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Computer experience required. History working with mapping and tree-planning software a plus. Forestry knowledge a plus.

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:

CDL (Class A) Driver’s license required (may be obtained after hire at the NRD's expense).

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Experience operating tractors and mowers. Experience performing light vehicle and equipment daily maintenance. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Good speech and hearing are required in order to communicate effectively with the staff. Mobility is required in order to be able to get around recreation and project sites for maintenance work.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally 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. Such vision is necessary for equipment operation, and determining condition of vegetation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

COMPENSATION:

The Upper Big Blue NRD offers full medical, dental, and vision benefits. Life insurance and employer matching retirement are also included. Starting salary $45,000-$50,000.

TO APPLY:

To be considered, please submit a 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. A completed application document is also required. Submit information to David Eigenberg, deigenberg@upperbigblue.org, or mail to: 319 E 25th St, York, NE 68467. Applications will be reviewed starting on July 1. Position will remain open until filled. 

The Upper Big Blue NRD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.