Ecological 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.

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until positions filled.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Conduct restoration activities including but not limited to: invasive species removal, herbicide application, brush removal, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, tree felling, urban habitat installation, and erosion control installation.
• Operate basic hand tools and small equipment such as herbicide applicators, small engines, chainsaws, and brushcutters.
• Be able to identify common native and non-native plant species.
• 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.
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude in regards to actions, decisions, and adherence to the employee handbook.
• Maintain situational awareness for the safety of oneself and crew.
• Pull trailers, equipment, and implements within state and federal guidelines.
• Operate equipment and implements in a safe and timely manner.
• Maintain flexibility with scheduling changes as necessary.
• Participate and engage in any training necessary to acquire the skills required to succeed in this position.

There may be opportunities for hired individuals to work on inventory crews conducting vegetation inventory projects. There may also be opportunities for hired individuals to participate in on-call wildfire engine crews.

ADDITIONAL TASKS 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 25%.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to work well with a team and adapt to changing priorities and tasks.
• Ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions while carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work consistently long hours outdoors, sometimes in inclement conditions.
• Ability to consistently have an awareness of safety for oneself and crew.
• Ability to maintain high levels of efficiency without compromising work quality, and overcome inefficiencies through creative problem solving.
• Valid Driver’s License, 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.
• A passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management.
• Ability to obtain all required licenses within specified timelines.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, chainsaws, and brushcutters.
• Experience with herbicide handling and application.
• Experience with native and non-native plant identification.
• Experience operating large equipment such as ATVs/UTVs, tractors, chippers, and/or skid steers.
• Basic First Aid, CPR, and/or Wilderness First Aid.
• Experience with prescribed fire and/or S130/190 wildfire certifications.
• Experience in map reading, GIS, and/or operating a GPS.
• Basic small engine maintenance and repair.
• Experience driving, backing, and loading trucks and trailers.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife, Botany, Biology, Forestry 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 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.

• 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.

Location: West Saint Paul, MN

Salary: $19.00/hr

• Higher starting wage may be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications or additional certifications/licenses beyond those required for this position.

Required Licenses:

• Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required). 

  • Hired individuals who do not possess their applicators license will be required to obtain their license on or prior to their first day of employment. Categories required: A, F, J

• 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 (Required)
• CDL – Class A Combo (Preferred)
• Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification – S-130/190 (Preferred)
• Basic First Aid and CPR (Preferred)

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)

Required travel:

• 25% (Up to)