Construction Equipment Operator

Minnesota Native Landscapes Inc; Otsego (MN); On-site; USD 41,328 - 46,494; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Native Landscapes Inc is seeking an experienced Equipment Operator for our construction division based in Otsego, MN. The role involves operating various large and small equipment across ecological restoration projects, such as shoreline builds and prairie restorations. The successful candidate will need 2+ years of relevant experience and a Class A commercial driver’s license.

Enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, and contributing to meaningful projects that restore natural ecosystems.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating equipment in construction or related industry.
• Strong ability to follow detailed instructions from project foremen.
• Skill in safe and efficient equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate large equipment for site grading and restoration tasks.
• Run small equipment for vegetation installation and soil prep.
• Carry out ecological restoration activities and assist with transporting equipment.

Skills

Equipment operation

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Education

Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements

Tools

Excavators

Skid loaders

Dozers

ATV/UTVs

Job description

Do you take pride in skilled equipment operation and enjoy seeing a job site transformed by your work ? Are you confident running dozers, skid loaders, and excavators in the field? Do you like working outdoors in a team setting where your craft contributes directly to ecological restoration? If so, this could be a great fit for you.

About Us

MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.

Our Construction division plays a hands-on role in restoring natural ecosystems through site preparation, grading, seeding, planting, erosion control, and forestry work. We operate across Minnesota and the Midwest, turning technical plans into thriving landscapes.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Equipment Operator to join our growing construction division based out of Otsego, MN. This role will operate a range of large and small equipment across a variety of ecological restoration projects — from shoreline builds and prairie restorations to wetland mitigation and forestry operations. You'll be a key contributor to field execution, safety, and craftsmanship.

This is a field-based role that includes regular travel to project sites, including overnight stays, especially during the busy spring–fall season. We’re looking for someone who enjoys both running equipment and jumping in to help with installation tasks when needed.

What You Will Do

• Operate a variety of large equipment, such as dozers, excavators, scrapers, off-road trucks, and forestry equipment to complete site grading, earthwork, and restoration tasks.
• Run small and mid-sized equipment including tractors, skid loaders, ATV/UTVs, and implements for vegetation installation, soil prep, and invasive species removal.
• Carry out ecological restoration activities such as native seeding, planting, erosion control installation, and shoreline stabilization.
• Assist with hauling and transporting equipment to/from job sites.
• Read and follow maps, construction drawings, and site specifications to complete tasks accurately.
• Communicate daily project goals and updates with project leaders and field team members.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and safety inspections.
• Follow MNL safety and compliance procedures across all worksites.
• Support non-operating duties as needed during project installation or downtime.
• Travel frequently to in-state and occasional out-of-state sites; overnight stays are required, especially during peak season.

What You Will Need To Be Successful

• 2+ years of experience operating equipment in construction, agriculture, landscaping, or a related industry.
• Strong ability to follow detailed instructions from project foremen and superintendents.
• Demonstrated skill in the safe and efficient operation of equipment ranging from large earthmoving machines to compact tools and attachments.
• Comfort reading site plans, maps, and specifications.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work long hours in field conditions.
• Must have, or be willing to obtain within 3 months (with company assistance):
• Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements.
• Strong communication skills and a team mindset.
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office products and project management software.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., stand or sit for extended periods, and work in varying weather conditions.

The pay range for this role is:

30 - 33.75 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)