Restoration Project Manager

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 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

Project Managers are the operational core of our field teams — the leaders who translate restoration contracts into daily action and develop the next generation of conservation practitioners. Project Managers combine ecological expertise with field leadership experience to ensure successful completion of restoration projects within project deadlines and budgets. Additionally, this role supervises Ecological Technicians and Crew Leads, guiding  and directing their professional development.

As a Project Manager, you will oversee multiple concurrent habitat restoration projects — coordinating pre-work logistics, supervising Crew Leads and Technicians, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring work is completed on-time, on-spec, and within budget. Project Managers spend approximately 75% of their time working in the field alongside their crews, and 25% on scheduling, reporting, and personnel management.

Project Managers who demonstrate strong leadership and operational results have a direct path to Branch Director roles at NRP. We are looking for candidates who want to grow with us and help build NRP into the future.

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

  • Field-based work across Minnesota, including rural and remote sites

  • Outdoor work year-round 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

Expected Time Allocation

75% - Active field work — leading field crews of technicians completing restoration activities such as invasive species removal, herbicide application, heavy equipment operation, seeding and planting, prescribed fire, erosion control, etc.

15-20% - Project Management — communicating with clients, reviewing contract specifications, acquiring project materials, coordinating scheduling, tracking budgets and metrics, setting daily goals, approving timesheets, and strategizing field work.

~5% - Personnel Management — conducting one-on-one meetings with direct reports, completing annual performance reviews, training and mentoring junior staff.

~5% - Bidding, site assessments, hiring/recruiting, and other tasks as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Project Operations

  • Receive project handoffs from Branch Directors and manage projects profitably from start to finish

  • Oversee all pre-work required to launch a new project: ordering materials, acquiring permits, managing rental equipment, and coordinating scheduling

  • Develop and communicate weekly project needs (personnel, equipment, priority, timeline)

  • Coordinate equipment repairs, crew mobilization, and resource logistics with Branch Directors and Fleet Manager

  • Maintain accurate project records, data, and weekly profitability reports (scorecards)

  • Inform Branch Directors of invoiceable work within 2 business days of completion

  • Participate in pre-project meetings and other required meetings

  • Participate in project close-out and wrap-up as directed

Field Leadership

  • Lead and work alongside assigned field crews in daily restoration activities: invasive species management, brush removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, and related tasks

  • Maintain technical proficiency with all common restoration activities; provide guidance and training to Crew Leads and Technicians

  • Provide daily direction to Crew Leads on project duties, goals, and priorities; receive and act on daily progress updates

  • Collaborate with Branch Directors and Crew Leads to resolve field issues and emergencies with crew safety as the first priority

  • Provide leadership in specialized areas such as: prescribed fire, heavy equipment, advanced plant ID, drone operations, or wildfire

  • Promote a safety-first culture and maintain situational awareness for the entire crew

Personnel Management

  • Supervise assigned staff members, including Crew Leads and Technicians

  • Complete staff evaluations and conduct regular Same Page Meetings

  • Approve Crew Lead-reviewed daily timesheets for assigned projects

  • Train field staff and advise on in-field training as needed

  • Mediate interpersonal issues and support crew cohesion

  • Assist with training and orientation of new employees as requested

Client and Communications

  • Maintain professional client communications and provide operational updates throughout each project

  • Address field-level client concerns and questions as needed

  • Ensure clear, appropriate communication between field-level crews and Branch Directors

  • Respond to calls, texts, and emails in a timely manner

Additional Responsibilities

  • Report any known or observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues

  • Utilize company software and programs according to NRP standards

  • Travel up to 75%; overnight per diem provided for all overnight assignments

  • Maintain company and personnel confidentiality

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

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

  • Strong proficiency with 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

  • Working knowledge of ecological restoration best management practices and ecological principles

  • Proficiency with common native and non-native plant identification

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

  • Strong safety awareness; ability to maintain situational awareness for self and entire crew

  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in fast-moving field situations

  • Ability to read, interpret, and communicate project/contract specifications and restoration BMPs

  • Ability to prioritize tasks under a heavy workload and adapt to unexpected changes

  • Passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1+ year of project management experience in ecological restoration, natural resources, construction, landscaping, or related field

  • 2+ years of experience supervising field personnel and/or field crews

  • 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 Authorization

  • Must be authorized to work in the United States

Compensation

Pay Rate: $24 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 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.