Ecological Operator Technician

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent  |  Location: Minnesota (West Saint Paul or Marshall)  |  FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@nrp.eco. Please specify which position you are applying for, and any location preferences, in your email. Thank you!

About NRP

NRP is an ecological restoration and land management company based in Minnesota. Following our Light on the Land philosophy, we conserve and restore native habitat through best management practices — doing what is right by the land first. We are a team of dedicated ecologists, equipment operators, fire practitioners, and nature lovers who are passionate about leaving a healthier landscape for generations to come. We value hard work, reliability, and resilience in ourselves, our company, and our industry. If you care about conserving native habitat and aren't afraid to get your hands dirty to get the work done, we'd love for you to join our team.

Position Overview

Ecological Operator Technicians run skid steers, feller bunchers, and other heavy machinery on habitat restoration projects across Minnesota. When not operating equipment, Operator Technicians work alongside Ecological Technicians for hands-on field work. Operator Technicians must have working knowledge of restoration activities with both small equipment (backpack sprayers, chainsaws, brushcutters) as well as heavy equipment (skid steers, skidders, excavators). They work with and under crew leaders to ensure successful field implementation of restoration projects.

NRP works on projects of all scales and complexity. Operator Technicians must be adaptable to changing schedules/plans and can expect a variety of project types throughout the year. Expect to work outside 90%-100% of the time. Approximately 90% of the job involves on-site, physically demanding, restoration activities with 10% of your time spent on equipment repair, maintenance, and staff meetings. This role is a strong fit for someone who wants to combine equipment operation skills with restoration ecology.

NRP invests in our people. Operator Technicians receive on-the-job training, certification support, and a direct path to advancement into Crew Lead and Project Manager roles. We are looking for candidates who want to grow with us and help build NRP into the future.

Work Schedule and Conditions

  • 9 –12 hour workdays are typical (average 10 hour workdays); irregular hours and occasional weekend hours may be required to meet project deadlines

  • Outdoor work year-round across Minnesota in all weather conditions

  • Week-long overnight travel up to 75% of the year; per diem provided for all overnight assignments

  • Select projects will require team members to drive personal vehicles to and from jobs sites

Seasonal full-time and part-time arrangements are available upon request. All positions include a 90-day probationary period.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not exhaustive or all-inclusive.

  • Operate equipment and implements: skid steers, feller bunchers, tractors, forestry mowers, grapple buckets, tree shears, tree pullers, native seed drills, broadcast seeders, and similar

  • Perform daily maintenance and repairs on large machinery and attachments

  • Operate hand tools and smaller equipment: chainsaws, brush saws, and herbicide applicators

  • Conduct restoration activities: herbicide application, establishment mowing, large tree removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, invasive species removal, erosion control installation, etc.

  • Pull trailers, equipment, and implements within state and federal guidelines

  • Maintain a positive, professional attitude consistent with NRP's employee handbook

  • Maintain situational awareness for the safety of yourself and your crew

  • Operate equipment and implements safely and efficiently

  • Identify common native and non-native plant species

  • Follow best management practices and technical contract specifications

  • Work in all weather conditions, year-round, including -20°F windchill to 100°F+ heat index

  • Work on uneven terrain, including remote locations, while carrying up to 50 lbs

  • Participate in all training required to perform job duties

  • Maintain flexibility with scheduling changes as necessary

Additional Responsibilities

  • Work independently or with a team under direction of a Project Manager or Crew Lead

  • Offer creative solutions and independent problem-solving in the field

  • Maintain working knowledge of project specifications

  • Report personnel, equipment, or incident concerns immediately to your supervisor

  • Travel up to 75%

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Experience operating skid steers, tractors, excavators, and/or feller bunchers or skidders

  • Experience maintaining and repairing heavy machinery

  • Physical ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement weather while carrying up to 50 lbs

  • Ability to obtain CDL Class A license within the first 6 months of hire

  • Ability to work well with a team and adapt to changing priorities and tasks

  • Strong safety awareness for yourself and your crew

  • Valid driver's license, ability to drive a company vehicle, and an acceptable motor vehicle record

  • Ability to manage yourself independently and follow directions

  • A desire to learn skills necessary for success in the position

  • Ability to maintain high efficiency without compromising work quality

  • A passion for the outdoors and natural resource management

Preferred Qualifications

  • CDL Class A Combo license and experience mobilizing heavy equipment

  • Experience with smaller equipment: chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide applicators, augers

  • Experience with native and non-native plant identification

  • Experience with herbicide handling and application

  • Experience with map reading, GIS, and/or GPS

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, or Forestry, and/or experience in natural resources fields

Required Certifications and Licenses

The following certifications are required for this position. NRP provides support for candidates who do not hold these at time of hire.

  • Pesticide Applicator's License (Categories A, F, J) — Required. Support available; must be obtained as soon as possible upon hire.

  • MN DOT Health Card — Required. Must be obtained on or before your first week of employment.

  • Basic First Aid and CPR — Required within 6 months of hire. NRP hosts biannual classes for staff needing certification.

  • Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record — Required.

  • CDL Class A — Required. NRP will support candidates in completing CDL within 6 months of hire.

  • UTV Certification – Required. Candidates without existing certification must complete online certification within 30 days of hire.

The following are preferred:

  • Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification (S-130/190) — Preferred

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $20 per hour | Non-Exempt

Additional Earning Potential: Team members scheduled for specific government-funded contracts may earn an additional $9–$14+ per hour for applicable project time. These assignments are subject to project availability and are not guaranteed. 

Benefits

Full-time permanent positions receive a comprehensive benefits package following a 90-day probationary period:

  • Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and accident coverage)

  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Unpaid Time Off (UTO)

  • Employer paid life insurance

  • Per diem for overnight travel and lodging

  • Annual gear stipend

  • Annual professional training and development stipend

  • Overtime pay for all hours exceeding 40/week

Equal Opportunity Employment

NRP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.