Lead Installation Technician

Position Announcement:  Lead Installation Technician – Full Time

Location: Independence, MN

Are you passionate about restoring and protecting Minnesota’s natural areas? Do you thrive in a role where your expertise in plant identification and native ecosystems can make a tangible impact? Natural Shore Technologies, a leader in ecological restoration for over 20 years, invites you to join our dedicated team as Lead Installation Technician. 

At Natural Shore Technologies, our mission is to deliver exceptional native plant restorations using innovative techniques and environmentally sound land management practices. We specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining a variety of habitats, including shorelines, prairies, rain gardens, and woodlands, for public, private, and commercial clients. Our on-site nursery provides high-quality Minnesota native plants to a wide range of customers, reflecting our commitment to ecological integrity and biodiversity.

Key Responsibilities: As an Installation Lead Technician, you will play a pivotal role in the restoration of Minnesota’s ecosystems. Your responsibilities will include:

• Working alongside Restoration Ecologist/Project Manager in the successful installation of ecological restorations projects.
• Leading and mentoring seasonal work crews, fostering knowledge and professional development.
• Ensure installation crew has all necessary tools and equipment for each day’s work.
• Use plant identification skills to manage invasive species and support native plant communities.
• Assessing project sites to develop and implement effective vegetation management strategies.
• Operating a range of equipment, such as brush saws, chainsaws, sprayers, tractors, and ATVs, to execute restoration activities.
• Communicating with clients and stakeholders, representing the company in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
• Managing project data and ensuring the proper maintenance of tools and equipment.

Additional Opportunities: Beyond fieldwork, this role provides the opportunity to:

• Represent Natural Shore at trade shows and professional forums.
• Contribute to educational content, such as our newsletter and social media platforms, showcasing your knowledge of native plants and ecological restoration practices.
• Deliver presentations to homeowners and professional audiences on ecological restoration techniques.
• Support nursery operations, including transplanting and organizing native plants, furthering your expertise in native plant species identification and propagation.
• Assist the Maintenance Crew Leaders in monitoring and maintaining diverse ecosystems.

What We’re Looking For: We are seeking motivated and dependable individuals with a passion for native plants and ecological restoration who possess the following qualifications:

• Experience in natural resources fieldwork with strong plant identification skills and a solid background in physically-demanding, outdoor work.
• Physically capable to perform strenuous tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, in extreme weather conditions.
• Leadership skills with the ability to supervise, teach, and inspire field crews.
• A valid Minnesota Driver’s License, with experience hauling trailers and operating machinery – small tractors, RTVs, and skid steers.
• Knowledge of herbicide application, with the ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license (Categories A & J) within 30 days of hire.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.

Why Work With Us? Natural Shore Technologies offers a supportive and professional environment that prioritizes personal and career growth. Here’s what makes us unique:

• Skill Development: Gain expertise in plant identification, invasive species management, and ecological restoration techniques.
• Mentorship: Work with seasoned professionals who bring over two decades of experience in ecological restoration.
• Professional Growth: Take on special projects, join professional societies, and participate in advanced training programs.
• Team Culture: Enjoy a collaborative and engaging work environment with regular team outings and events.
• Commitment to Learning: Participate in our in-house plant identification training program to enhance your knowledge of native plants and ecosystems.

Compensation & Benefits: We value the contributions of our team members and provide a comprehensive compensation package, including:

• Starting salary of $43,000+ (commensurate with experience).
• End-of-year bonus: 1–5% of salary, based on performance.
• Quality health insurance with 50% of premiums covered by the company.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• A 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match.
• Seasonal work schedule adjustments, 40–50 hours per week during growing season

If you’re ready to apply your fieldwork prowess and passion for native ecosystems to meaningful restoration work, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining the main reasons why this position and our company resonate with you to: job@naturalshore.com

We look forward to talking with you about our team, and getting to know you and your journey in ecological restoration.