Director of Operations - St Paul

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent  |  Location: West Saint Paul, MN  |  FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in the position to: careers@nrp.eco

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 is seeking an experienced ecological restoration leader to serve as Director of Operations at our West Saint Paul location. This senior leadership role oversees the Twin Cities-based field operations branch — managing active restoration contracts, supervising Project Managers, supporting business development, and ensuring the highest standards of ecological practice across all assigned projects.

The ideal candidate is a proven field practitioner who has grown into an operational leader. You bring deep technical knowledge of restoration practices, a strong track record managing complex multi-project portfolios, and the organizational ability to keep multiple contracts and crews moving forward simultaneously.

This role is both field-forward and operationally complex. You'll be on-site regularly — up to 40% of your time — while also managing project financials, forecasting, and contributing to NRP's company-wide leadership team.

Excepted Time Requirements

60%-70% - Active project oversight — leading Project Managers and field crews; managing project financials and forecasting; ensuring on-time, on-spec, on-budget delivery; daily problem-solving.

20%-30% - Field work — conducting site assessments, pre-project visits, and hands-on restoration support alongside crews

10%-20% - Business development — completing assigned bids for new project work.

~10% - Administrative, outreach, sales, and HR duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Project and Financial Management

  • Oversee multiple concurrent habitat restoration projects from planning through close-out

  • Complete bidding activities as assigned

  • Maintain monthly-to-quarterly project forecasting and profitability reporting

  • Track and manage project expenses for assigned Project Managers

  • Conduct monthly scheduling for all assigned projects

  • Assist Project Managers with solution-finding, escalated issues, and reporting

Field and Technical Leadership

  • Conduct in-field restoration activities as needed: invasive species management, brush removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, and related tasks

  • Maintain technical proficiency with all restoration activities; provide guidance and training to Project Managers and field staff

  • Conduct pre-project site assessments and pre-work site visits

  • Provide leadership in specialized areas such as: prescribed fire, heavy equipment, drone operations, and wildfire

  • Promote a safety-first culture and maintain situational awareness for all team members

Team and Personnel Leadership

  • Supervise assigned Project Managers; provide operational direction, coaching, and performance feedback

  • Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, and training as needed

  • Mediate interpersonal issues and support a healthy team culture

  • Maintain company and personnel confidentiality

Client and Stakeholder Relations

  • Maintain and develop client relationships appropriate for the assigned branch

  • Conduct client communications and documentation throughout each project

  • Participate in networking, outreach, and relationship-building activities to support business development

Operational and Administrative Duties

  • Ensure smooth, appropriate communication across all levels of NRP — from Executives to field Technicians

  • Participate in company-wide meetings and contribute to NRP standards, policies, and continuous improvement

  • Maintain proficient knowledge of company software: Google Workspace, project management tools, CRM, and mapping software

  • Report any known or observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues

  • Travel as needed to fulfill duties; overnight travel up to 25%

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of field work in habitat management, ecological restoration, or a related field

  • Minimum 2 years of experience leading field crews in ecological restoration, natural resources management, or similar industry

  • Minimum 5 years of experience managing projects within the industry or closely related field

  • Strong proficiency with a variety of restoration activities: invasive species removal, brush removal, tree felling, seeding/planting, prescribed fire, herbicide application, and plant identification

  • Strong proficiency with tools of the trade: chainsaws, brushcutters, herbicide applicators, OHVs, hand tools, trucks, and trailers

  • Strong working knowledge of ecological restoration best management practices and ecological principles

  • Proficiency with common native and non-native plant identification

  • Working knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, mapping software, CRM and/or project management tools — or demonstrated ability to learn quickly

  • Ability to work irregular and overtime hours as needed to meet project requirements

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

  • Exceptional organizational ability: capable of managing multiple projects, budgets, deadlines, and personnel simultaneously

  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity under pressure

  • Passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management

Preferred Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience conducting habitat management or ecological restoration field work

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Wildlife, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or related field

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.

  • Pesticide Applicator's License (Categories A, F, J) — Required. Support available; must be obtained as soon as possible upon 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.

  • Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification (S-130/190) — Required. Must schedule coursework within 90 days of hire.

  • UTV Certification – Required. Candidates without existing certification must complete online certification within 30 days of hire.

The following are preferred:

  • Wilderness First Aid and/or First Responder Training — Preferred.

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

  • Based at NRP's West Saint Paul office with regular field work across Minnesota

  • Overnight travel up to 25%; 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: $31.00 – $35.00 per hour | Non-Exempt

Higher starting rate may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications beyond those listed above.

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 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.