Ecological Technician Lead

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!

Number of Positions: 1-2 positions

Application Deadline: September 1, or until filled. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Summary

Ecological Technician Leads (also ‘Crew Leads’) will lead crews of Ecological Technicians conducting ecological restoration projects according to best management practices, contract specifications, and workplace policies.

Individual(s) will work under Project Managers to ensure successful daily accomplishment of restoration projects. Individuals(s) must be able to lead crews of up to 10 individuals, as well as supervise themselves for individual assignments. Additionally, individuals must have flexibility for changing projects and crews daily, as necessary.

Technician Leads are expected to oversee daily on-site operations of field crews. This includes ensuring field safety of all crewmembers, efficient use of time and completion of work, maintaining quality of product, and reporting daily accomplishments to the Project Manager. Leads will be expected to, with aid from Project Managers, initiate creative problem solving to work around in-field issues. Leads are also expected to, with direction from managers, moderate interpersonal issues within daily crew work, and assist with training and bringing up of junior employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

  • Serve as a positive, professional example to colleagues and constituents of NRP with regards to workplace actions, attitudes, decisions, management, and adherence to the employee handbook.

  • Maintain situational awareness for the safety of oneself and their crew.

  • Demonstrate initiative to accomplish goals and objectives of established contracts.

  • Lead field crews while implementing and following restoration project specifications.

  • Maintain Operational Leadership:

    • Providing Leader’s Intent: Task, Purpose, End State.

    • Motivate.

    • Demonstrate Initiative by taking action in the absence of orders.

    • Communicate by giving specific instructions and asking for feedback.

    • Supervise.

  • Proficiently operate various fleet vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and OHVs.

  • Being the first and last on site. Showing up 15 minutes early to prepare for the crew.

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

  • Be able to identify native and non-native plant species.

  • Proficiently operate basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and brushcutters.

  • Proficient knowledge of small engine maintenance and repair.

  • Maintain company and personnel confidentiality.

  • Follow best management practices according to technical specifications within contracts.

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

  • Maintain detailed records, data, and reports.

  • Coordinate daily with Project Managers regarding assignments and accomplishments.

  • Assist with training and development of junior technicians.

Additional Task and Responsibilities:

  • Report any known/observed vehicle and equipment maintenance.

  • Operate computers to create, fill out forms, retrieve and organize information; prepare communications to others; report activities and contacts with customers.

  • Train into senior level positions in RX Fire, Wildfire, Heavy Equipment Operation, FIA, etc.

  • Respond to telephone calls, texts, and pertinent emails as necessary.

  • Ensure smooth, appropriate communication between Project Managers and Technicians.

  • Report any incidents or issues regarding personnel, direct or indirect, and/or equipment immediately to the supervisor.

  • Travel up to 25%.

    • Individual(s) selected for Inventory projects will be expected to travel for up to 2 weeks at a time.

  • Perform other related duties as required.

Required Skills and Experience:

Technician Leads must exhibit proficiency with the requirements of the Ecological Technician level position.

  • Proficiency with a variety of restoration activities such as: invasive species removal, brush removal, tree felling, seeding/planting, prescribed fire, herbicide application, plant identification etc.

  • Proficiency with tools of the trade: chainsaws, brushcutters, herbicide applicators, OHVs, hand tools, trucks and trailers etc.

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

  • Passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management.

  • Consistently maintaining awareness of safety for themselves and the crew.

  • Proficiency maintaining high levels of efficiency without compromising work quality, and overcoming inefficiencies through creative problem solving.

  • Others as listed in Ecological Technician position.

Additional Skill Requirements: 

Language Ability

  • Ability to read, understand, and accurately explain project/contract specifications.

  • Ability to explain, clarify, and demonstrate contract specifications, and restoration BMPs.

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

  • Ability to collaborate with crew members and project managers to ensure smooth daily operations.

  • Ability to interact with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

  • Ability to read, interpret, explain and record information from maps, aerial photos, plans and other graphic or printed sources, and develop field maps.

  • Ability to prioritize tasks based on importance and approaching deadlines when confronted with a heavy workload.

  • Ability to supervise and organize self.

  • Ability to exercise rational judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when performing diversified work activities.

  • Ability to recognize and mitigate safety hazards, and respond to emergency situations.

  • Ability to follow directions.

  • Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with persons acting under stress.

Individual(s) hired will be expected to display competency, a strong work ethic, and a passion for ecological restoration.

General work days consist of 8-10 hour days and may include irregular hours to meet project specifications and deadlines.

We conduct resource restoration projects across the state of Minnesota and individual(s) should expect overnight travel up to 25%.

Benefits:

*Most benefits will become available following a 3-month probationary period

  • Health insurance operations including vision, dental, and accident

  • 401k with matching

  • PTO

  • Per diem for overnight travel and stay

  • Winter clothing stipend

  • Yearly training stipend

  • Overtime pay past 40 hr/wk

Job Type: Full-time/Permanent

Salary: $21.00/hr

  • Higher starting wage may be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications or additional certifications/licenses beyond those required for this position.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

  • Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required). 

    • Individuals who do not possess their applicators license will be required to obtain their license within 90 days. Categories required: A, E, F, J

  • MN DOT Health card (Required). 

    • Individuals who do not possess their DOT Health card will be required to obtain it within 90 days.

  • Driver's License (Required)

  • Basic First Aid and CPR (Required)

    • Individuals who do not possess First Aid/CPR certifications will be required to attend NRP offered certification when available.

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

    • Leads are highly encouraged to work with NRP to obtain basic wildfire certifications.

  • CDL - Class A Combo (Preferred)

  • Wilderness First Aid (Preferred)

  • Must have a basic understanding of ecology and conservation.

Work authorization:

  • United States (Required)

Required travel:

  • 25% (Up to)