Fire and Restoration Operator Specialist

Job Type: Seasonal (potential for year-round)  |  Location: Minnesota (Statewide)  |  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

The Fire and Restoration Operator Specialist is a versatile role — blending prescribed fire leadership, heavy equipment operation, and hands-on ecological restoration into a single position. You'll conduct controlled burns, lead wildfire response crews, run skid steers and feller bunchers, and deliver restoration projects across the Midwest, adapting to whatever the season, the land, and the project demand.

This role works both independently and as part of a crew, and requires someone who thrives in changing conditions — weather, project types, and field priorities all shift fast. Qualified candidates may serve in fire leadership roles (Burn Boss, Firing Boss, Holding Boss, Engine Boss) and are expected to train and mentor junior crew members.

The position is seasonal with strong potential for year-round employment based on performance and project needs.

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 throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin in all weather conditions

  • Minnesota and nation-wide travel for wildfire suppression response

  • 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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Fire Operations

  • Participate in and lead prescribed burns across various ecosystem types

  • Participate in and lead crews during wildfire response nationally

  • Conduct fire line construction, ignition, holding, mop-up, and smoke management

  • Operate and maintain fire equipment: drip torches, pumps, and UTVs

  • Serve in leadership roles (Burn Boss, Firing Boss, Holding Boss, Engine Boss) as qualified

  • Maintain situational awareness and safety at all times under IRPG and NWCG standards

  • Participate in fire plan development, day-of-burn decisions, and post-burn assessments

  • Train and mentor crew members on fire techniques, safety, and equipment use

Restoration and Heavy Equipment Operations

  • Operate and maintain heavy equipment: skid steers, tractors, forestry mowers, feller bunchers, and related attachments

  • Conduct ecological restoration activities: forestry mowing, tree felling and stacking, seeding, herbicide application, and site preparation

  • Perform field repairs and troubleshoot equipment independently to maintain project efficiency

  • Mobilize and transport equipment safely between project sites

  • Maintain compliance with technical specifications, contracts, and environmental standards

  • Identify native and non-native vegetation and assist with vegetation management and monitoring

General Field Operations

  • Work in challenging weather and terrain: extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow

  • Carry up to 50 lbs and work extended days (8–16 hours) as required

  • Maintain and repair tools, vehicles, and implements

  • Complete accurate field logs, maps, and reports

  • Uphold professional conduct and positive communication with landowners, partners, and agencies

  • Support and mentor team members; foster a safety-first culture

Required Qualifications

  • MNRXB2/CMPB2 or higher Burn Boss qualification (State or Federal)

  • Experience with prescribed fire operations and/or heavy equipment use in restoration settings

  • Strong understanding of fire behavior, fuel models, and weather impacts

  • Ability to interpret burn plans, maps, and technical specifications

  • Proficiency with basic maintenance of tools, engines, and hydraulic equipment

  • High level of communication and situational awareness in dynamic field conditions

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively under changing priorities

  • Valid Driver's License and acceptable driving record

  • Willingness to travel overnight 50–100% of the time

Physical Requirements

  • Physical fitness to pass the Arduous Level Pack Test (3 miles in 45 minutes with a 45 lb pack)

  • Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver 50 lbs

  • Ability to work extended hours in diverse and adverse weather conditions, -20F wind chill to 100+F heat index

  • Ability to traverse uneven, remote, or rugged terrain safely

  • Ability to operate heavy machinery and fire equipment safely in variable conditions

Preferred Qualifications

  • CDL Class A Combo (unrestricted)

  • NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) qualification — including S-230 (Crew Boss), S-231 (Engine Boss), S-219 (Firing Operations), S-290 (Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior), and L-280 (Followership to Leadership)

  • MN Pesticide Applicator's License, Categories A, F, and J

  • GPS and mapping skills; ability to create and interpret burn and restoration maps

  • Experience with ecological monitoring, post-burn assessments, and reporting

  • Wilderness First Aid or First Responder certification

  • FAA UAV Pilot License

  • Strong understanding of Midwest ecosystems, fire ecology, and habitat management

Required Certifications and Licenses

  • MNRXB2/CMPB2 or higher Burn Boss qualification — Required.

  • 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 certification.

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

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

Preferred:

  • CDL Class A Combo — Required within 6 months for candidates offered full-time/year-round positions.

  • MN Pesticide Applicator's License, Categories A, F, J

  • NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) certifications

  • FAA UAV Pilot License

  • Wilderness First Aid / First Responder

Work Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $21.00 – $40.00 per hour | Non-Exempt

Compensation based on qualifications and experience.

Additional Earning Potential: Team members scheduled for specific government-funded contracts and wildfire 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 the following comprehensive benefits package following a 90-day probationary period. Seasonal and part-time roles are eligible for partial benefits as determined by HR policies.

  • 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 cover letter to careers@nrp.eco. Specify which position you are applying for in your email. 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.