Nebraska is on the path to becoming the best state in the nation for military personnel and veterans. We’ve been instituting new policies that benefit military families and veterans and that connect them with leadership opportunities in the workforce. We are committed to becoming America’s #1 state for veterans and we value the skills and experience veterans bring to the workforce. We want to encourage veterans to contribute their skills to grow our state.
Some of the State’s most recent initiatives towards this goal include:
- Expanding the hiring preferences for the State of Nebraska to include spouses of service members.
- The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact allows nurses to have one multi-state license making it easier for military spouses to begin work in nursing after moving to Nebraska.
- Passing LB 389 which makes it quicker and easier for military spouses licensed in another state to obtain a teaching permit after moving to Nebraska.
- Passing LB 387 which exempts 100% of military retirement from taxation.
- Enacting a law that allows active duty military members or their spouses to be licensed realtors in Nebraska without paying a licensing fee, provided they have a valid license from another state.
Nebraska also has one of the best unemployment rates for veterans. These are just a few examples of how Nebraska is working to become the most veteran and military friendly state in the nation and we will continue to look for ways to expand on this goal.
Veterans' Preference: State agencies comply with Nebraska’s Veterans Preference laws. If you are a veteran, the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran, or the spouse of a service member currently on active duty or discharged within the past 180 days, you may be eligible for Veteran’s Preference in the employment process.
To verify eligibility, applicants must submit the Form DD214, preferably Member Form #4, along with proof of a service-connected disability as applicable, and proof of marriage if claiming preference as a spouse. All information must be submitted at the time of application. Once submitted, you do not have to provide the information again.
As a spouse of a veteran currently on active duty, preference may be claimed during the time of active duty and up to 180 days after their separation from service.
How does Veterans' Preference Work?
According to Nebraska Statutes, veterans who obtain passing scores on all parts or phases of an examination shall have five percent added to their passing score if a claim for such preference is made on the application. An additional five percent shall be added to the passing score of any disabled veteran.
A Veterans’ Preference appeal process is available. After receiving notification that a job you applied for has been filled, you may initiate an appeal by submitting your request in writing to the Nebraska State Personnel Office, 1526 K St. Lincoln, NE 68508 or email state.jobs@nebraska.gov
You are welcome to visit the Nebraska State Legislature’s page to read the statutes in their entirety (SS 48-225 – 227).
Need help?
If you need help with your career search or have questions about the application process or veterans preference, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at state.jobs@nebraska.gov or 402-471-2075, option 1.
The State of Nebraska is dedicated to the successful transition of our military service members and has been recognized as a partner for the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program. If you are a transitioning service member, this program provides an opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience through an individual internship with one of our participating State agencies during your last 180 days of service. For more information on the application process, please visit: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/military-members.htm.
Contact our team at state.jobs@nebraska.gov to learn more about available opportunities with the State of Nebraska!
You can also check out a brief video about the positive impact the SkillBridge Program has made on our veterans and the State of Nebraska. Interested in hearing more about another one of our SkillBridge Intern’s experience at the State of Nebraska? Check out Episode 10 of the Good Life. Great Careers. Podcast, featuring Michael Broderick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na5A3vwVg7Q.
The State of Nebraska values the skills and experience military spouses bring to the workforce. In addition to Nebraska’s Veterans Preference laws, we provide career services to help educate and connect military spouses with career opportunities. Services include (but are not limited to):
- Career exploration and skills translation
- Resume building and interviewing tips
- Informal connections with State agencies
If you are a military spouse interested in a career with the State of Nebraska, complete the following form and a State teammate will contact you directly regarding the next steps.
Military Spouse Transition Program Inquiry
| VETERANS AND MILITARY SPOUSES |
|---|
| State Personnel Talent Acquisition Team Links in support of Veterans and Military Spouses. |
| Description | Last Revised | Format |
|---|---|---|
| State Jobs Email Address | ||
| Form DD214 | External | |
| Nebraska Revised Statute 48-225 - Veterans Preference | External | |
| DoD SkillBridge Program Application | External | |
| State of Nebraska SkillBridge Program Video | YouTube | |
| State of Nebraska SkillBridge Program Video - Episode 10 featuring Michael Broderick | YouTube | |
| Military Spouse Transition Program Inquiry | Online | |
| Agency Resources | ||
| Military Spouse Transition Program Responsibilities and Expectations | 04/16/2021 | |
| Intake Interview Form – Moving to Nebraska | 04/19/2021 | |
| Exit Interview Form – Leaving Nebraska | 04/19/2021 | |
| Additional Resources for Talent Acquisition | 04/16/2021 | |