Ecological Restoration Technician

NextGenEnergyJobs; Jordan (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

RES is seeking purpose-driven individuals for restoration and habitat management. You will work in the field operating heavy equipment with safety as a top priority and use GPS systems to document progress. Roles include plant identification and conducting herbicide applications to control invasive species.

You may contribute to planting projects and annual burn practices, with opportunities to earn S-130/190 Burn Certification and expand your field skills in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs, walk on uneven terrain, and work outdoors in all weather.
• 1+ years in ecological restoration and knowledge of native/invasive species.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans, details, and specifications.
• Pesticide license/permit in the assigned state.
• Reliable transportation to the field office.

Responsibilities

• Operate field equipment (trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, augers, chainsaws) with safety as priority.
• Identify native and invasive species and guide restoration work.
• Mix and apply herbicides to manage invasive species.
• Assist planting and seeding projects to restore habitats.
• Participate in prescribed burns where applicable and pursue S-130/190 Burn Certification.
• Report equipment maintenance needs and perform basic upkeep.

Skills

Field work

GPS mapping

Herbicide application knowledge

Plant species identification

Reading project plans

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Commercial Pesticide Technician/Apprentice License (state-specific)

Job description

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact.

Key Responsibilities

• You’ll spend 100% of your time in the field, operating equipment like large trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, augers, and chainsaws—don’t worry, safety is always the top priority. You’ll use GPS mapping systems to navigate and document your work, and you’ll get hands-on experience with backpack and hand sprayers for herbicide application. Keeping everything running smoothly, you’ll report any equipment maintenance needs and even perform some basic upkeep yourself.
• If you love plants, you’re in the right place. You’ll be identifying native and invasive plant species and using that knowledge to guide your work. Mixing and applying herbicides to manage invasive species will be part of the job, and you’ll play a key role in implementing an invasive species management program to restore balance to the ecosystem.
• You’ll also roll up your sleeves for planting and seeding projects, where your techniques will help bring restoration projects to life.
• Lastly, if prescribed burns are part of your region’s restoration practices, you’ll have the chance to earn your S-130/190 Burn Certification and be involved in this important habitat management technique.
• Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of your duties.

Requirements

• You must be able to lift 50lbs, walk over uneven surfaces and up/down hills, climb on construction equipment and work outdoors and in inclement weather
• High School degree or equivalent. Reliable means of transportation to get to the field office. Keen interest in natural resources and outdoors. What will make you stand out? 1+ years of work in ecological restoration. Ability to read and understand the project plans, details, and specifications. Commercial Pesticide Technician/Apprentice License in the applicable categories for your assigned state. Native and invasive plant species knowledge, applicable to your assigned state. 1+ year experience mixing and applying herbicides for managing invasive species. 1+ year experience performing planting and seeding techniques.
• Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.