Ecological Technician Lead (Crew Lead)

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 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

NRP Ecological Technician Leads (Crew Leads) lead crews of 1-10 technicians on ecological restoration projects, ensuring work meets best management practices, contract specifications, and safety standards. Working under Project Managers, Leads oversee daily on-site operations: keeping crews safe, maintaining quality and pace, problem-solving field issues, and reporting accomplishments. They lead Eco Technicians providing 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. 

NRP works on projects of all scales and complexity. Leads 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 85% of the job involves on-site, physically demanding, restoration activities with 15% of your time spent on equipment repair, maintenance, and daily planning. There are also opportunities for qualified Leads to join NRP's on-call wildfire engine crews.

NRP invests in our people. This is a hands-on leadership role with a direct path toward senior positions in project management, RX and wildland fire, and heavy equipment operation. 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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Serve as a positive, professional example to colleagues regarding workplace actions, attitudes, decisions, and adherence to the employee handbook

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

  • Demonstrate initiative to accomplish established contract goals and objectives

  • Lead field crews while implementing restoration project activities

  • Ensure completion of daily field goals set by Project Managers

  • Maintain Operational Leadership: provide Leader's Intent (Task, Purpose, End State); motivate; demonstrate initiative in the absence of orders; communicate clearly and seek feedback; supervise

  • Be first on-site and last to leave — arrive 15 minutes early to prepare the crew

  • Ensure daily timecards of assigned crew are completed accurately

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

  • Proficiency with native and non-native plant species identification

  • Proficiently operate fleet vehicles: trucks, trailers, and OHVs

  • Proficiently operate hand tools and smaller equipment: backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and brushcutters to complete a variety of restoration tasks such as invasive species removal, prescribed fire, seed and planting, erosion control, herbicide applications, etc.

  • Proficient knowledge of small engine maintenance and repair

  • Maintain company and personnel confidentiality

  • Ensure all on-site crew adhere to BMPs and technical specifications

  • Maintain detailed records, data, and reports

  • Coordinate daily with Project Managers on assignments and accomplishments

  • Assist with training and development of junior technicians

Additional Responsibilities

  • Report any known or observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues

  • Fill out forms, organize information, and report daily work accomplishments

  • Train into senior-level positions in RX Fire, Wildfire, Heavy Equipment Operation, UAV, or other specialties

  • Respond to calls, texts, and emails as necessary

  • Ensure smooth communication between Project Managers and Technicians

  • Report personnel or equipment incidents immediately to your supervisor

  • Travel up to 25% (individuals pursuing wildfire suppression assignments should expect trips up to 3 weeks at a time)

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Proficiency in a variety of restoration activities and tools of the trade (such as those listed above)

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

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

  • Strong safety awareness for yourself and your crew

  • Ability to maintain high efficiency without compromising work quality

  • Passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management

  • Ability to read, interpret, and accurately explain project/contract specifications and restoration BMPs

  • Ability to read maps, aerial photos, and plans, and develop field maps

  • Ability to prioritize tasks and exercise sound judgment under a heavy workload

  • Ability to interact professionally with the public when encountered on project sites

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in a crew lead or informal leadership capacity

  • Demonstrated readiness to train toward advanced certifications

Required Certifications and Licenses

  • Pesticide Applicator's License, Categories A, F, J — Required. Must be obtained as soon as possible upon hire.

  • MN DOT Health Card — Required by first day of employment.

  • Valid Driver's License — Required.

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

  • MN UTV Certification — Required within 30 days of hire (applicable MN/WI certifications may be approved).

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.

  • Wilderness First Aid — Preferred.

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $21 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 packages 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.