Director of Operations, St Paul
To apply, please complete the APPLICATION FORM
sUMMARY
Branch Directors are responsible for overseeing multiple consecutive habitat restoration/conservation projects, ensuring that all work is completed according to best management practices, contract guidelines, and workplace policies. Individual(s) in this position are responsible for ensuring successful completion of contracts within given specifications, timeline, and budget. Individual(s) are also responsible for assisting with bidding, and supervising project managers. Branch Directors may assist with a variety of other operational, administrative, outreach/sales, and HR duties as necessary.
The Director of Operations-St Paul will work out of our West Saint Paul office, assisting other operations branch directors, overseeing assigned projects, and providing leadership for NRP’s Twin Cities based field crew.
Excepted Time Requirements
60%-70% - Overseeing active projects, providing leadership and support to project managers and field crews; maintaining accurate project financial and forecasting data; promoting effective communication across project partners; ensuring projects are completed on-time, to specifications, and within budget; daily problem solving as issues arise.
20%-30% - Completing site assessments, conducting pre-work site visits, and assisting field crews with restoration activities.
10%-20% - Completing assigned bids for new work.
10% - Administrative, outreach, sales, and HR duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.
Complete bidding activities as assigned.
Maintain monthly to quarterly forecasting.
Supervise Project Managers.
Maintain client relations and conduct client outreach as appropriate for the assigned branch.
Monthly project scheduling of assigned projects.
Conduct client communication and documentation throughout a project as appropriate.
Quarterly profitability reporting.
Assisting Project Managers with solution finding and reporting.
Track project expenses by Project Managers.
Assist with staff hiring as needed.
Assist Project Managers with assigned tasks as needed.
Conduct in-field restoration activities such as: invasive species management, brush removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, etc.
Maintain technical proficiency with common restoration activities, and be able to provide guidance and training to junior crew members.
Mediate interpersonal issues.
Promote a safety-first culture and maintain situational awareness for all.
Demonstrate initiative while working independently with minimal supervision, or as part of a team in order to accomplish goals and duties.
Provide leadership in specialized areas such as: RX fire, heavy equipment, drone, wildfire, etc.
Provide 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.
Ensure company and personnel confidentiality.
Maintain detailed records, data, and reports.
Additional Task and Responsibilities
Participate in company-wide meetings.
Report any known/observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues.
Operate computers to complete a variety of administrative and managerial tasks.
Maintain proficient knowledge of company software and programs.
Respond to telephone calls, texts, and emails as necessary.
Ensure smooth, appropriate communication across all levels of NRP.
Participate in outreach, networking, personal-development, and leadership-development opportunities.
Maintain proficiency with tools of the trade and in-field operations.
Out of town travel as needed to complete duties.
Perform other related duties as required.
Branch Directors may be required to assist with in-field work as needed up to 40% of their time.
Required Skills and Experience
Operational Directors must have an advanced understanding of ecological restoration/habitat management principles, as well as experience with in-field conservation techniques and practices.
Minimum 2 years of experience conducting field work in habitat management, ecological restoration, landscaping, resource management, or a similar industry.
Minimum 2 years of experience leading field crews completing ecological restoration, natural resources management, construction, landscaping or similar industry projects.
Minimum 5-10 years of experience managing projects within the industry or related.
Strong 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.
Strong proficiency with tools of the trade: chainsaws, brushcutters, herbicide applicators, OHVs, hand tools, trucks and trailers etc.
Strong proficiency with ecological restoration best management practices, and ecological principles.
Working knowledge of habitat management/conservation best management practices.
Proficiency with common native and non-native plant ID.
Working knowledge of computer programs such as Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, mapping software, CRM software, project management software, etc. or ability to learn.
Ability to adapt to unexpected situations, schedules, and changes.
Ability to work irregular and overtime hours as needed to complete duties.
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 maintain 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.
Additional Skills:
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 write and communicate specifications, approaches, and expectations.
Ability to explain ecology scientific principles in layman’s terms.
Ability to collaborate company-wide, from Executives to Technicians, to ensure smooth operations.
Ability to communicate and interface professionally with clients, the public, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to build relationships and networks.
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 schedule, 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.
Ability to maintain a calm, professional composure when addressing complaints, concerns, or questions.
Ability to lead personnel, mitigate interpersonal issues, and provide support to Project Managers, Leads, and Technicians.
Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, deadlines, budgets, personnel, and projects.
Ability to problem-solve, adapt to sudden changes, and develop creative solutions to issues.
Desire to help develop and improve NRP standards, policies, and procedures.
Preferred Skills and Experience
10+ years conducting habitat management, ecological restoration, or natural resources field work.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Wildlife, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or similar field.
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 (post first day of employment)
Health insurance 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 (hourly-based employees)
Additional Details
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Salary: $31-$33/hr
Higher starting wage may be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications beyond those required for this position.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required).
Hired individuals who do not possess their applicators license will be required to obtain their license as soon as possible upon employment. Categories required: A, F, J. Additional categories may be required for certain branches.
MN DOT Health card (Required).
Hired individuals who do not possess their DOT Health card will be required to obtain it on or prior to their first day of employment.
Driver's License with a clean driving record (Required)
Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification - S-130/190 (Required)
Hired individuals who do not possess their Red Card will be required to schedule coursework to begin certification within 90 days.
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, or an approved external organization within 90 days.
CDL - Class A Combo (Required)
Hired individuals who do not possess their CDL will be required to complete it within 6 months of employment.
Wilderness First Aid and/or First Responder Training (Preferred)
Must have an advanced understanding of conservation practices.