Tractor/Equipment Operator

MNL; Monticello (MN); On-site; USD 39,950 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

MNL, located in Otsego, MN, is hiring a Tractor/Equipment Operator to manage vegetation in a variety of restored landscapes. This position will focus primarily on operating tractors with mowing equipment to maintain conservation lands and infrastructure projects.

Successful candidates will have proven experience with large equipment, be able to handle physically demanding tasks, and maintain equipment effectively. The role also offers a pay range of $29-$32 per hour, emphasizing skills in herbicide application and equipment operation.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in landscaping, agriculture, or vegetation management.
• Familiarity with forestry mowing or skid steer operation is preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors with flail or rotary mowers for vegetation management.
• Perform forestry mowing during winter months.
• Maintain daily records of work logs and herbicide applications.

Skills

Tractor operation

Forestry mowing

Equipment maintenance

Herbicide application

Education

Class A commercial driver's license

MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

Tools

Tractors

Skid steers

ATV/UTVs

Chainsaws

Job description

Do you thrive behind the wheel of a tractor? Are you confident mowing natural landscapes with precision and care? Do you enjoy working outdoors and using equipment to help manage vegetation on restored lands? If you're reliable, hands‑on, and motivated by results, this could be a great opportunity to put your skills to work supporting ecological restoration across Minnesota!

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 Vegetation Management Team helps protect restored and native landscapes through mowing, invasive species control, and forestry services. We work throughout Minnesota, supporting a wide range of public and private clients with long‑term land stewardship solutions.

The Opportunity

We are hiring a Tractor/Equipment Operator for our vegetation management team based out of Otsego, MN whose primary responsibility will be mowing native and restored landscapes using tractor‑mounted equipment. While mowing is the primary focus during the growing season, this role also assists with winter forestry mowing and skid steer operation, supporting brush clearing and land management efforts. During periods when equipment operation is limited, you'll also contribute to vegetation management through manual and small equipment tasks, which may include herbicide application, brush clearing, or weed whipping.

What You Will Do

• Operate tractors with flail or rotary mowers for large‑scale vegetation management at solar fields, conservation lands, and infrastructure projects.
• Perform forestry mowing using skid steers and attachments during winter months.
• Safely operate a wide range of additional equipment including skid loaders, ATV/UTVs, trailers, sprayers, chainsaws, and small engines.
• Assist in herbicide application using boom or backpack systems, or mounted equipment.
• Support prescribed burns and fire prep using UTVs or water tankers.
• Perform daily maintenance and basic repairs on equipment to keep it field‑ready.
• Maintain daily records, including work logs, herbicide applications, and site notes.
• Help with other vegetation management tasks such as brush cutting, weed whipping, and native planting (as needed).

What You Will Need To Be Successful

• Demonstrated experience and confidence operating tractors for extended mowing assignments on large, uneven terrains.
• Familiarity with forestry mowing or skid steer operation is strongly preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in landscaping, agriculture, or vegetation management type roles.
• Experience with equipment maintenance and safe handling of land management tools.
• Experience with herbicide use and invasive/native species identification is preferred.
• Must have or be willing to obtain (with company assistance):
• Class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements
• MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Ability to read site plans and maps, follow instructions, and communicate clearly with teammates.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, as well as project management & ERP softwares.
• Ability to work physically: lift up to 50 lbs., stand or sit for extended periods of time, and perform outdoor tasks in varying weather conditions.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

29 - 32 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)