Ecological Operator Technician

About NRP

Based out of Minnesota, NRP travels all over the Midwest with aims to tackle the complexity of restoring and conserving native landscapes and natural resources. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to engage in this challenge, and with the demand for habitat restoration in Minnesota growing, we’re proud to assist our local and rural communities with their restoration goals. We focus on innovative, solution-oriented ecological land management and habitat restoration.

The Role

Individual(s) hired will work individually or with a crew conducting habitat restoration tasks such as herbicide application, prescribed fire, brush and tree removal, invasive species removal, stacking and burning brush piles, planting and seeding etc.

NRP conducts a wide variety of projects at various size and complexity scales. Technicians are expected to be flexible and work on a variety of project types as needed. Work can vary seasonally, and may include extended periods of similar duties.

Operator Technicians are responsible for operating large machinery such as skid steers, skidders, feller bunchers, etc. as necessary for projects. When not operating machinery, operator techs will work alongside Ecological Technician crews to assist with field work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. 

• Operate various pieces of equipment and implements e.g. skid steers, feller bunchers, tractors, forestry mowers, grapple buckets, tree shear, tree puller, native seed drill, broadcast seeder, etc.
• Perform daily maintenance and repairs on large machinery and attachments.
• Operate basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as chainsaws, brush saws, and herbicide applicators.
• Conduct ecological restoration activities including but not limited to: herbicide application, establishment mowing, large tree removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, and erosion control installation.
• Pull trailers, equipment, and implements within state and federal guidelines.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude in regards to actions, decisions, and adherence to the employee handbook.
• Conduct and maintain situational awareness for the safety of oneself and crew.
• Operate equipment and implements in a safe and timely manner.
• Be able to identify common native and non-native plant species.
• Understand and follow best management practices according to technical specifications within contracts.
• Work in inclement weather, year-around, including: temperatures down to -20 windchill and up to 100+ heat indexes, wind, rain, and snow.
• Work on uneven terrain in potentially remote locations, carrying up to 50lbs.
• Participate and engage in any training necessary to acquire the skills required to conduct the duties and responsibilities listed here.
• Maintain flexibility with scheduling changes as necessary.

ADDITIONAL TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work independently or with a team under the direction of a Project Manager or Crew Lead.
• Offer creative solutions, and be capable of independent problem solving.
• Maintain working knowledge of project specifications.
• Report any incidents or issues regarding personnel, direct or indirect, and/or equipment immediately to supervisor.
• Travel up to 75%.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED JOB SKILLS:

• Experience operating skid steers, tractors, ATVs, and/or Feller/buncher or skidder
• Experience maintaining and repairing heavy machinery.
• Ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions while carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to obtain CDL Class A license within the first 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work well with a team and adapt to changing priorities and tasks.
• Ability to consistently have an awareness of safety for themselves and the crew.
• Valid Driver’s License, the ability to drive a company vehicle, and an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to manage themselves independently, as well as follow directions.
• A desire to learn skills necessary for success in the position.
• Ability to maintain high levels of efficiency without compromising work quality, and overcome inefficiencies through creative problem solving.
• A passion for the outdoors and natural resource management.

PREFERRED JOB SKILLS:

• CDL Class A Combo license and experience mobilizing heavy equipment.
• Experience with various smaller equipment including chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide applicators, and augers.
• Experience with native and non-native plant identification.
• Basic First Aid and CPR.
• Experience with herbicide handling and application.
• Experience in map reading, GIS, and/or operating a GPS.
• Bachelor of Science degree in either Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, or Forestry, and/or experience working in natural resources related fields.

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 75%.

BENEFITS:

*Most benefits will become available following a 3-month probationary period

• 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

Job Type: Full-time/Permanent

• All positions include a 3-month probationary period.
• Seasonal full-time positions and part-time positions will be considered upon request.

Salary: $20.00 DOE 

• Higher starting wage will be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications, or who hold current licenses required for the position.

Required Licenses:

• Driver’s License (Required)

• Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required). 

• Hired individuals who do not possess their applicators license will be required to obtain their license within 90 days. Categories Required: A, E, F, J 

• MN DOT Health card (Required). 

• Hired individuals who do not possess their DOT Health card will be required to obtain it within 90 days.

• CDL – Class A Combo (Required). 

• Hired individuals who do not possess their CDL will be required to schedule coursework, inspection, and testing within their first three months of employment.

• Basic First Aid and CPR (Preferred)

• Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification – S-130/190 (Preferred)

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Required travel:

• 75% (up to)