Details
Posted: 30-Apr-22
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Salary: Open
Requisition Number: F_220078
Department: Nebraska Forest Service-0889
Description of Work:
The Nebraska Forest Service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for an Open Rank National Technical Assistance Forester (NTAA) position. This non-tenure track appointment will serve as the technical leader coordinating agroforestry responsibilities for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS), which is part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The NTAA will provide oversight of agroforestry operations, program development and management, data management, education & outreach, policies, and processes. This position will be located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The incumbent NTAA works in partnership with the NRCS National Forester, NRCS National Technology Support Centers (NTSCs), NFS faculty and staff, and USDA NAC specialists and researchers to coordinate the efficient and effective development and dissemination of state-of-the-art agroforestry technology to landowners and natural resource professionals in the United States including the U.S. Territories. The incumbent NTAA is considered a national expert with knowledge and ability to effectively coordinate the national delivery of conservation agroforestry technical assistance within NRCS/NFS, and to provide timely technical consultation to NRCS/NFS/NAC leadership upon request.
Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Nebraska Forest Service are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of qualified individuals from underrepresented groups.
Major duties include:
- Provide expert technical guidance to NRCS/NFS foresters and other specialists in developing and administering NRCS agroforestry programs, and for generating new and innovative approaches, techniques, systems, and guidelines for improving agroforestry practices, using the best available scientific information.
- Develop training curricula, courses, and online modules in agroforestry technologies in conjunction with NAC staff.
- Provide technical agroforestry assistance to NRCS/NFS foresters and other specialists to support the implementation of USDA – NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other Farm Bill conservation programs.
- Collaborate with universities, colleges, other government agencies, Tribes, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate the development and transfer of agroforestry science and technology.
- Provide agroforestry instruction, demonstration, and/or consultation to the NRCS/NFS/UNL/NAC and their conservation partners, including limited-resource producers, Tribes, beginning farmers and other landowners or land managers.
- Communicate new agroforestry concepts, field observations, and research needs, to NAC research scientists and other USDA Forest Service researchers, the Agricultural Research Service, and Land Grant universities, for potential inclusion in agroforestry and forestry research programs.
- Serve as the NRCS technical authority for five specific agroforestry Conservation Practice Standards (CPSs) (silvopasture, alley cropping, forest farming, riparian forest buffer, and windbreak/shelterbelt establishment and renovation). Maintain and update the agroforestry CPSs according to NRCS policies. Support the application of CPSs through reviews of payment guidance and participation in other operational processes.
- Support NRCS agency leadership, including NRCS NTSCs Directors and National Discipline Leads, as they evaluate the impacts of legislation and develop policy, guidance, and initiatives that include or affect agroforestry aspects of natural resources conservation.
- Represent NRCS/NFS at meetings and conferences attended by agroforestry partners in academia, government, not-for-profit organizations, and private landowners.
Additional requirements:
- Adhere to NRCS/NFS policy, standards, and procedures for all scientific and technical activities and ensure compliance with requirements of Executive Orders, legislation, and federal regulations.
- Support and participate in a spectrum of safety, health, and employee welfare program activities.
- Provide leadership and guidance in assuring that delivery of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Civil Rights in USDA programs and services are carried out 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.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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
http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in agroforestry, forestry, natural resources, or related field. Four years professional experience in agroforestry, forestry, or natural resources, which includes program, project, and organizational experience.
Required abilities:
- Technical, program management and administrative abilities in agroforestry, NRCS program or closely related fields
- Demonstrated experience in program management and administration.
- The ability to work independently and at a high level of proficiency.
- Manage and oversee programs, projects, and operations.
- The ability to articulate and implement vision and direction for a program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree with one degree in Forestry, Agroforestry or related field or equivalent experience.
- Six years' experience in agroforestry, forestry, or natural resources, which includes program, project, and organizational experience.
- Proven record in developing and successfully implementing short- to medium-term projects and programs.
- Proven record of developing and administering forestry and agroforestry programs, and generating new and innovative approaches, techniques, systems, and guidelines for improving all agroforestry practices.
- Proven record in Project implementation.
- Ability to identify, define and implement new program opportunities
- Ability to define, guide and implement strategic planning and management activities.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Job Type: Full-Time
