Ecological 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 Technicians are the practitioners who bring restoration plans to life! They provide boots-on-the-ground restoration solutions — removing invasive species, applying herbicides, conducting prescribed burns, planting native seed, and restoring habitat across Minnesota's diverse landscape. If you're dependable, safety-minded, and passionate about the land, this role is your entry point into a growing conservation career.

NRP works on projects of all scales and complexity. 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. There are also opportunities for qualified Technicians to join NRP's on-call wildfire engine crews.

NRP invests in our people. 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

  • Field-based work across Minnesota, including rural and remote sites

  • Outdoor work year-round in all weather conditions

  • Week-long overnight travel up to 25% of the year; per diem provided for all overnight assignments

  • Select projects may 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.

  • Conduct habitat restoration activities including: invasive species removal, herbicide application, brush and tree removal, prescribed fire, seeding, native plant installation, erosion control, and urban habitat installation

  • Operate hand tools and small equipment: backpack herbicide sprayers, chainsaws, brushcutters, and small engines

  • Identify common native and non-native plant species

  • Follow best management practices and technical specifications as outlined in project contracts

  • Work safely in all weather conditions, including temperatures ranging from -20°F windchill to 100°F+ heat index

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

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

  • Operate equipment and vehicles in a safe and timely manner

  • Maintain situational awareness and a safety-first approach for yourself and your crew

  • Participate and engage in all required training and certification programs

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

  • Report incidents, personnel concerns, and equipment issues immediately to your supervisor

  • Maintain flexibility with scheduling as project needs shift

  • Work independently or as part of a crew under direction of a Project Manager or Crew Lead

  • Maintain working knowledge of current project specifications

  • Support creative problem-solving when field challenges arise

  • Travel up to 25% for project assignments across Minnesota

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Valid driver's license, ability to operate a company vehicle, and a clean motor vehicle record

  • Physical ability to work long hours outdoors, including in inclement conditions

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to shifting priorities and tasks

  • Ability to maintain high work quality and efficiency under physically demanding conditions

  • Ability to manage yourself independently and follow directions from supervisors

  • A passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management

  • Commitment to obtaining all required certifications within specified timelines

  • Strong safety awareness for self and crew

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with hand tools: backpack sprayers, chainsaws, brushcutters

  • Experience with herbicide handling and application

  • Experience identifying native and non-native plant species

  • Experience operating equipment: ATVs/UTVs, tractors, chippers, or skid steers

  • Basic First Aid, CPR, and/or Wilderness First Aid

  • Experience with prescribed fire and/or S-130/190 (FFT2) wildfire certifications

  • Experience with GPS tracking and/or map reading

  • Basic knowledge of small engine maintenance

  • Experience driving, backing, and loading trucks with trailers

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, Forestry, or related field

Required Certifications and Licenses

The following certifications are required for this position. NRP provides support and guidance to 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.

The following are preferred and may be required for advancement:

  • CDL Class A — Preferred.

  • Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification (S-130/190, L-180, Field day and Pack Test) — Preferred.

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $19 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.