Summary

Project Managers manage multiple consecutive habitat restoration/conservation projects, ensuring that all work is completed according to best management practices, contract guidelines, and workplace policies. Under direction from Branch Directors, Project Managers will oversee weekly project duties and personnel for assigned projects. Individuals(s) must be able to give direction and support multiple consecutive crews of technicians, including up to 3 crew leaders. Additionally, individual(s) must be capable of managing their own time with minimal supervision.

Project Managers are expected to oversee weekly operations of field crews. This includes scheduling personnel and resources according to project priorities, coordinating daily tasks with Crew Leads, supporting ground crews and problem-solving daily issues, and assisting crews with in-field tasks. NRP relies on Project Managers to provide mid-level leadership to maintain smooth daily operations. Project Managers need to be proficient with ecological restoration principles and tools of the trade. Individual(s) also need to be capable of supervising and leading other crew members, training and bringing up junior employees. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

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

• Serve as a positive, professional example to colleagues and constituents of NRP with regards to workplace actions, attitudes, decisions, management, and adherence to the employee handbook.
• Receive handoff instructions from Branch Directors, and successfully and profitably manage projects from start to finish.
  • Oversee pre-work required to launch and run a new project, ie. ordering necessary materials, acquiring permits, managing rental equipment, coordinating scheduling, etc.
• Understand and communicate weekly project needs.  
• Work with Branch Director to:
  • Coordinate equipment repairs for project continuation
  • Coordinate mobilization of crews and equipment
  • Manage personnel and provide crew leadership
  • Produce weekly profitability reports
• Conduct client relations throughout a project as appropriate.
• Inform Branch Directors of invoiceable work.
• Lead and assist assigned staff with daily in-field tasks.
  • Participate in meetings as required.
  • Provide daily instruction to Crew Leads regarding project duties and goals. Acquire daily updates from Crew Leads about project progress.
• Collaborate with Branch Directors and Crew Leads to resolve any daily issues or emergencies in a manner that provides for maximum crew safety and keeps projects moving forward efficiently.
• Participate in project close out and wrap up, as directed by Branch Director. 
• Mediate interpersonal issues.
• Promote a safety first culture and maintain situational awareness for all.
• Demonstrate initiative while working independently with minimal supervision, or as part of a team in order to accomplish goals and duties.
• Lead field crews while implementing and following restoration project specifications.
  • Conduct in-field restoration activities such as: invasive species management, brush removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, etc.
  • Maintain technical proficiency with common restoration activities, and be able to provide guidance and training to junior crew members.
• Provide leadership in specialized areas such as: RX fire, heavy equipment, advanced plant ID, drone, wildfire, etc.
• Maintain Operational Leadership:
  • Providing Leader’s Intent: Task, Purpose, End State.
  • Motivate.
  • Demonstrate Initiative by taking action in the absence of orders.
  • Communicate by giving specific instructions and asking for feedback.
• Supervise assigned staff members.
  • Complete staff evaluations
  • Conduct Same Page Meetings
  • Train field staff; supervise/advise on field training as needed.
• Maintain company and personnel confidentiality.
• Maintain detailed records, data, and reports.

Additional Task and Responsibilities:

• Report any known/observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues.
• Assist with training and orientation of new employees as required.
• Operate computers to create and fill out forms, retrieve and organize information; prepare communications to others; report activities and contacts with customers.
• Utilize company software and programs according to NRP standards.
• Respond to telephone calls, texts, and emails as necessary.
• Report any incidents or issues regarding personnel, direct or indirect, and/or equipment according to NRP policies.
• Travel up to 75%.
• Perform other related duties as required.

When not performing administrative/management duties, Project Managers will assist crews with in-field activities. Individual(s) should expect to work in the field at least 75% of their time.

Required Skills and Experience:

Project Managers must have an advanced understanding of ecological restoration/habitat management principles, as well as experience with in-field conservation techniques and practices.

• Minimum 2 years of experience leading field crews completing ecological restoration, natural resources management, construction, landscaping or similar industry projects.
• Strong proficiency with a variety of restoration activities such as: invasive species removal, brush removal, tree felling, seeding/planting, prescribed fire, herbicide application, plant identification etc.
• Strong proficiency with tools of the trade: chainsaws, brushcutters, herbicide applicators, OHVs, hand tools, trucks and trailers etc.
• Working knowledge of ecological restoration best management practices, and ecological principles.
• Proficiency with common native and non-native plant ID.
• Ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions while carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Passion for ecological restoration and natural resource management.
• Consistently maintain awareness of safety for themselves and the crew.
• Proficiency maintaining high levels of efficiency without compromising work quality, and overcoming inefficiencies through creative problem solving.

Additional Skills:

Language Ability

• Ability to read, understand and accurately explain project/contract specifications.
• Ability to explain, clarify, and demonstrate contract specifications, and restoration BMPs.
• Ability to interface professionally with the public and clients.
• Ability to collaborate with Crew Leads, Branch Directors, and other Project Managers to ensure smooth daily operations. 
• Ability to interact with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

• Ability to read, interpret, explain and record information from maps, aerial photos, plans and other graphic or printed sources, and develop field maps.
• Ability to prioritize tasks based on importance and approaching deadlines when confronted with a heavy workload.
• Ability to supervise and organize self.
• Ability to exercise rational judgment, decisiveness, and creativity when performing diversified work activities.
• Ability to recognize and mitigate safety hazards, and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with persons acting under stress.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional composure when addressing complaints, concerns, or questions.
• Ability to lead personnel, mitigate interpersonal issues, and provide support to Crew Leaders supervising crew members.
• Ability to assess project progress and make adjustments as needed to achieve deadlines and budgets.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• 1 year managing projects in ecological restoration, natural resources management, construction, landscaping or similar industries.
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Wildlife, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, 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 resource restoration projects across the state of Minnesota and individual(s) should expect overnight travel up to 75%.

Job Type: Full-time/Permanent

Salary: $24.00/hr DOE

• Eligible for prevailing wage when applicable.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• MN Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required). 
  • Hired individuals who do not possess their applicators license will be required to obtain their license within 90 days. Categories required: A, E, F, J
• MN DOT Health card (Required). 
  • Hired individuals who do not possess their DOT Health card will be required to obtain it within 90 days.
• Driver's License (Required)
• Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification - S-130/190 (Required)
  • Hired individuals who do not possess their Red Card will be required to schedule coursework to begin certification within 90 days.
• Basic First Aid and CPR (Required)
  • Individuals who do not possess First Aid/CPR certifications will be required to attend NRP offered certification when available.
• CDL - Class A Combo (Required)
  • Hired individuals who do not possess their CDL will be required to schedule coursework, inspection, and testing within 90 days.
• Wilderness First Aid and/or First Responder Training (Preferred)
• Must have an advanced understanding of conservation practices.

Benefits:

*Most benefits will become available following a 3 month probationary period

• Health insurance options 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

Work authorization:

• United States (Required)