Equipment Operator

Position Overview:

The Equipment Operator is responsible for running equipment on small to large scale ecological restoration projects throughout the state of Minnesota and throughout the Midwest. The operator position will be heavily involved in vegetation mowing on solar projects during the growing season. This position may also include a variety of other equipment operation and labor tasks as needed during the remainder of the year.

Individuals applying for this position should expect occasional overnight travel during the growing season (May through September). Travel includes overnight per diems for lodging and food. Individuals should expect increased hours, including overtime, during the growing season. This position may also include a variety of other equipment operation as needed during the remainder of the year. This position requires equipment operation and strong communication skills with MNL field staff and customers to carry out project tasks both accurately and safely from start to finish.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strong ability to follow directions from Project Managers/ Project Superintendents regarding schedules and site work expectations.
• Conducts tasks involved with successfully installing small to large scale restoration projects, including but not limited to prescribed burning, site preparation, spraying, seeding, mowing, planting, erosion control, and forestry.
• Completes a variety of restoration duties utilizing various types of equipment, such as agricultural tractors, skid loaders, 3pt implements, hand tools, ATV/UTVs, mowers, weed whips, etc.
• Completes a variety of restoration duties, utilizing large equipment such as dozers, excavators, off road trucks, forestry equipment, etc.
• Performs tree shearing skidding or forestry mowing with skid-loader mounted implements.
• Performs necessary equipment repairs in the field and shop as able/necessary.
• Trucking and transport of equipment as needed.
• Daily communication with field staff on job tasks.
• Train other field staff on equipment operation as needed
• Performs other non-operating duties as assigned.
• Maintains work records and associated paperwork, including daily worklogs and herbicide treatments.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in ecological restoration, landscaping or agriculture.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Experience with the safe operation and general maintenance of tools and equipment, such as pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, trailers, mowers and other equipment used in restoration landscaping.
• Ability to read and navigate maps, as well as accurately follow directions.
• Must have or be willing to acquire within the 90 days of employment (with company assistance), an unrestricted Class A CDL driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer knowledge, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Willing to acquire a commercial pesticide applicator license (paid for by MNL).
• Demonstrated success with living the company’s values of passion for the mission to “Heal the Earth”, craftsmanship, innovation, grit, and positivity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience completing a variety of restoration duties, utilizing equipment such tractors, skidloaders, flail mowers and forestry equipment.
• Familiarity with or experience in ecological restoration work, especially equipment operation for restoration purposes.
• CDL holder for over 2 years

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to bend, stretch, push, pull, reach and move as needed in order to complete various vegetation management duties.
• Prolonged periods of time standing.
• Able to work long hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends; work hours may be reduced during the winter season.
• Able to travel daily to various worksites within the state with overnight stays required.
• Able to travel out of state as needed.
• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and extreme cold.

What we offer:

MNL offers a flexible workplace. New and extended learning opportunities. MNL is willing to train the right candidate that aligns with our core values and want to help us heal the earth. MNL offers the highest wages in the industry.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature of this job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all requirements for this position, nor does it constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.