G&P Assistant Horticulturist

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking a seasoned professional in horticulture and forestry. Based out of the Nebraska Game & Parks East Campus Headquarters, this position will travel statewide to assist with woodland management projects, hazard tree inspections, and new landscape projects. The ideal candidate will be excited to share their horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry advice with a team of skilled outdoor professionals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and/or Forestry plus one year of professional experience.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Applicant must possess or acquire within six months of hire a Nebraska Commercial Driver's license with air brake endorsement.
• Periodic travel away from primary duty station, within the assigned park region, will be required.

Nice To Haves

• Excited to share their horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry advice with a team of skilled outdoor professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Park Horticulturist in providing technical advice on horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry to park management.
• Help manage projects for preserving and restoring native park woodlands.
• Contribute to planning and creating new landscape projects and educational gardens.
• Inspect and oversee the care of hazardous trees in park areas.
• Lead tree trimming and removal, and train temporary employees.
• Operate and maintain a 55-foot aerial lift for tree management when needed.
• Train and supervise temporary employees in grounds maintenance and safe pesticide application.
• Participate in hands-on landscape improvement, maintaining park attractiveness.
• Assist the Park Horticulturist in providing technical horticulture, arboriculture and forestry advice to Park Superintendents and Groundskeepers.
• Assist in development and supervision of woodland management projects to restore and sustain native park woodlands.
• Assist with planning and development of new landscape projects and educational gardens.
• Perform hazard tree inspections and manage hazard trees in developed areas of parks and recreation areas.
• Serve as a lead arborist to perform tree trimming and/or removal of hazardous trees throughout a regional park system and will train and work with one temporary to perform tree trimming and removal operations.
• Operate and maintain a 55-foot aerial lift unit to perform hazard tree management.
• Train and supervise temporary employees in all aspects of grounds maintenance including safe application of pesticides.
• Perform related work as required to include landscape installation requiring manual labor.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• 156% state-matched retirement
• tuition reimbursement
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans, dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level