Restoration Operator

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

NRP Restoration Operators run heavy equipment — skid steers, feller bunchers, skidders, and more — to conduct ecological restoration projects across Minnesota, working independently or alongside field crews. Reporting to Project Managers, Operators frequently work solo but collaborate with Crew Leads on projects involving full crews.

NRP works on projects of all scales and complexity. Operators must be adaptable to changing schedules and assignments. Expect to work outside 90%-100% of the time. Approximately 80% of the job involves on-site restoration activities with 20% of your time spent on equipment repair, daily maintenance, and staff meetings. If you take pride in running and maintaining heavy machinery and want that work to mean something for the land, this role is built for you.

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 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.

  • Operate equipment and implements: skid steers, feller bunchers, tractors, forestry mowers, grapple buckets, tree shears, and tree pullers

  • Conduct heavy equipment restoration activities: forestry mowing, tree felling, stacking and burning, establishment mowing, broadcast and drill seeding, and broadcast herbicide application

  • Repair and maintain all machinery and attachments

  • Problem-solve in-field issues and repairs with minimal direction to maintain project efficiency

  • Mobilize heavy equipment between project sites

  • Follow best management practices and technical contract specifications

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

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

  • Demonstrate initiative while working independently with minimal supervision, or as part of a team, to accomplish project goals

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

  • Operate equipment and implements safely and efficiently

  • Identify native and non-native plant species

  • Maintain company and personnel confidentiality

  • Maintain detailed records, data, and reports

  • Coordinate daily with Project Managers on assignments and accomplishments

  • Assist with training and development of junior operators as requested

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist with maintenance and repairs of vehicles, equipment, implements, and small engines

  • Report any known or observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues

  • Create/fill out digital forms, organize information, and report daily work accomplishments

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

  • May monitor seasonal or full-time staff when directed by supervisors

  • Report personnel or equipment incidents 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

  • Basic understanding of conservation practices, or a strong desire to learn

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience mobilizing heavy equipment between job sites

  • Familiarity with restoration contract specifications and BMPs

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.

  • 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:

  • Pesticide Applicator's License (Categories A, F, J) — Preferred

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

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $21-$25 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.