Ecological Technician - FFT2 RX Fire Specialist

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent  |  Location: Minnesota (Statewide, Travel)  |  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

FFT2 RX Fire Specialists support NRP’s Wildland Fire program through prescribed burn operations and wildland fire suppression. FFT2 Specialists will participate in roving prescribed fire crews conducting controlled burns statewide during the spring and fall burn seasons (March-June and October-November). Candidates are also expected to fill FFT2 positions on nation-wide suppression calls as part of a wildland fire engine crew. During off-season and between roles, Specialists will conduct ecological restoration activities such as invasive species removal, herbicide application, planting and seeding, etc.

This is a full-time permanent position with options for full-time seasonal during active burn seasons. Expect to travel for multiple weeks at a time and work overtime hours during prescribed fire seasons and wildland suppression roles. We are looking for a candidate who will grow with us and help further develop our Wildfire program into the future. If you're drawn to fire ecology, looking for hands-on experience with prescribed fire operations, or want experience in ecological restoration, this is an excellent way to build a career.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

  • Travel more than 50% of the time to project and burn locations across Minnesota

  • Engage in physically demanding, all-weather field work, including temperatures from -20°F windchill to 100°F+ heat index

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

  • Use and maintain specialized fire equipment: drip torches, chainsaws, water pumps, and OHVs

  • Assist with all levels of prescribed fire operations: fire line construction, ignitions and holding lines, smoke and traffic management, fire engine and mobile UTV pump operation, and mop-up

  • Maintain constant situational awareness and safety discipline

  • Consistently comply with PPE requirements and maintain PPE in working condition

  • Participate in training and professional development

  • Perform daily maintenance and repairs on equipment and tools

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

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

  • Maintain flexibility with scheduling and task changes

  • Drive yourself to and from job sites across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, for select projects

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist with non-fire restoration tasks: invasive species removal with brush saws/hand tools/herbicide, herbicide mixing and spot spray application, large tree removal with chainsaws, seeding, and planting

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

  • Identify common native and non-native plant species

Required Qualifications

  • Basic physical fitness; ability to pass the Arduous Level Pack Test and carry equipment over rugged terrain for extended periods

  • Strong communication skills, including clear verbal communication and radio use under dynamic field conditions

  • Ability to consistently maintain situational awareness: monitor surroundings, anticipate hazards, and follow safety protocols

  • Basic understanding of fire behavior, including flame length, rate of spread, and wind influence

  • Ability to operate hand tools such as drip torches, Pulaskis, McLeods, and rakes — including lifting 50 lbs for extended periods with repetitive motion

  • Ability to manage yourself independently and work successfully within a team

  • Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and tasks

  • Ability to take instruction and follow directions during dynamic, fast-paced conditions

  • Ability to drive a company vehicle with an acceptable motor vehicle record

  • A desire to learn and a passion for the outdoors and natural resource management

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with GPS, maps, and burn plans

  • Understanding of how humidity, wind, and temperature affect fire behavior

  • Basic chainsaw operation: bucking and small-scale felling

  • Experience or education in fire ecology, habitat management, and/or ecosystem restoration

  • Experience working in Minnesota and Upper Midwest ecosystem types

  • Experience with drones/UAV for imagery capture and data collection

  • Experience with prescribed fire documentation (ignition patterns, flame behavior, post-burn effects)

  • Composure and a strong positive attitude during demanding or unpredictable situations

  • Experience with restoration equipment: brush saws, herbicide applicators, skid steers

  • Experience with native and non-native plant identification

Required Certifications and Licenses

  • Type 2 (FFT2) Wildland Firefighter Certification — S-130/190 and L-180 — Required. Pack test and field day preferred; NRP can host if needed.

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

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

  • Basic First Aid and CPR — Required. NRP-hosted certification available for candidates without current certification.

  • Pesticide Applicator's License — required for full-time candidates, Categories A, F, J

Preferred:

  • CDL Class A Combo (unrestricted)

  • UAV Pilot License

  • Wilderness First Aid / First Responder

Work Schedule and Conditions

Hours are weather and season-dependent for fire operations. General workdays are 9–12 hours, with 15+ hour days possible during active burning operations. Expect variable scheduling, including weekends, evenings, and inconsistent breaks in hours.

  • RX fire season: March-June and October-November

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

  • Week-long overnight travel up to 50-100% 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

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $20 per hour | Non-Exempt

Higher starting wage will be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications or current required licenses. 

Additional Earning Potential: Team members scheduled for specific government-funded contracts or suppression roles 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

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [applications@nrp.com / link to application portal]. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.

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.