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Hiring Agency:

Game & Parks Commission - Agency 33

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$24.950

Job Posting:

JR2026-00027338 G&P Assistant Horticulturist (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

07-02-2026

Job Description:

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.

Duties include:
• Expert Advice: Assist the Park Horticulturist in providing technical advice on horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry to park management.
• Woodland Care: Help manage projects for preserving and restoring native park woodlands.
• Landscape Development: Contribute to planning and creating new landscape projects and educational gardens.
• Tree Safety: Inspect and oversee the care of hazardous trees in park areas.
• Lead Arborist: Lead tree trimming and removal, and train temporary employees.
• Aerial Lift Operation: Operate and maintain a 55-foot aerial lift for tree management when needed.
• Supervision & Training: Train and supervise temporary employees in grounds maintenance and safe pesticide application.
• Landscape Enhancement: Participate in hands-on landscape improvement, maintaining park attractiveness.

Benefits include:
• 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,
• and more!

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to continually expand your expertise in horticulture and forestry while applying your existing skills. We're committed to helping visitors and residents discover the beauty of Nebraska's most cherished destinations, and we invite you to be a part of this legacy."

JOB DUTIES: 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. Candidate will 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. Candidate, when assigned, will 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. Travel required.

 

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Horticulture and/or Forestry plus one year of professional experience.

Other: 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.

 

 

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.