Position Announcement: Lead Restoration Technician-Full Time

Natural Shore Technologies is a local (Independence, MN) and well-established (over 20-year-old) ecological restoration company serving the Twin Cities Metro area. Our mission is to provide exceptional native plant restorations by using innovative techniques and environmentally sound land management practices. We foster a tight-knit work environment that encourages continued learning and skill development, company outings and get-togethers, and enthusiasm for our natural systems.

We design, install and maintain shorelines, prairies, rain gardens and other natural landscapes for public agencies, and commercial and residential clients.  Our nursery provides Minnesota native plants to a wide range of commercial and retail clients. 

We are in search of a motivated and dependable person, with a passion for natural resources, to monitor and maintain a variety of ecological restoration projects in the Twin Cities area.

Primary responsibilities:

• Conducts monitoring and maintenance activities on a wide variety of ecosystems, including shorelands, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands
• Monitors and assesses sites to determine appropriate vegetation management approaches
• Implements management protocols and safely operates various types of equipment, including brush saws, weed whips, chainsaws, sprayers, ATVs, etc.
• Manages, leads, and mentors intern work crews
• Sets scheduling with the maintenance supervisor and assists with recordkeeping
• Interacts with clients and represents the company in a professional manner
• Manages data and updates client project files
• Effectively manages field equipment and keeps tools in proper working order

Other duties:

• Represents Natural Shore at local trade shows and professional forums
• Assists with researching and writing content for our popular newsletter
• Assists with social marketing (website, Facebook, and Instagram)
• Gives presentations to homeowners and at professional meetings
• Collects and processes native seed
• Assists with nursery operations including transplanting and general organization
• Assists the Installation Crew Leader with ecological restoration projects

Qualifications: 

• At least two years of natural resources fieldwork with competent native and invasive plant identification skills
• Efficiently performs all management tasks in the field which requires strenuous physical activity for prolonged periods and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, such as heat, rain and cold, and can tolerate biting and stinging insects
• Excellent communication skills and proficient at supervising field crews
• Highly motivated and eager to work in a team environment 
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
• Ability to load and haul trailers and machinery
• Experience with mixing and applying herbicides and able to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator (Categories A & J) license within 30 days of hire

What sets us apart:

• We inspire and support our staff to take part in continuing education that will further develop their ecology and leadership skills
• We offer a plant identification training program, led by senior staff
• With career advancement in mind, we urge employees to take on special projects that hone individualized skills
• Joining professional societies is encouraged and fully supported
• We work hard but also play hard, offering staff social events to build a strong team and foster open communication among staff

Compensation:

• Base pay of $43,000 – and can be adjusted based on your experience  
• End of year bonus, usually 1-5% of your salary (hard work is rewarded) 
• Quality Health Insurance Plan – Company pays 50% monthly premium within plan -Health Partners
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 401K – Retirement fund – 4% company match 
• 40-50 hours per week with seasonal work schedule adjustments

Please send a cover letter explaining why this specific position and our company are of interest to you, along with a resume to job@naturalshore.com. We will review your qualifications, and then contact suitable applicants for an interview.

Position Announcement: Restoration Field Technician– Seasonal

Location: Independence, MN

Company Overview: Natural Shore Technologies is a leading ecological restoration company based in the Twin Cities area. With a passion for environmental stewardship, we specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of shorelines, prairies, rain gardens, and other natural landscapes. We proudly serve public agencies, commercial enterprises, and residential clients. Additionally, our nursery operation provides high-quality Minnesota native plants to a wide range of clients.

We are looking for a motivated and dependable Environmental Restoration Technician to join our dynamic team for the 2025 season. If you’re passionate about natural resources and eager to gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, this is an excellent opportunity for you!

Role Overview: As an Environmental Restoration Technician, you will work alongside experienced Crew Leaders to execute ecological restoration projects in the field. You will assist with planting, seeding, tool maintenance, brush cutting, light equipment operation, herbicide application, and more. This position provides valuable experience in plant identification, restoration techniques, and environmental management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Identification & Management: Learn to identify native and invasive plant species (training provided).
• Invasive Species Control: Implement methods to control noxious and invasive weeds, including hand-pulling, herbicide application, and mowing.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate a variety of tools and equipment, such as brush saws, weed whips, chainsaws, and more.
• Site Preparation: Assist with site preparation tasks such as brush hauling, soil grading, mulching, and more.
• Plant Installation: Install native plant plugs and trees/shrubs, following detailed restoration plans and protocols.
• Nursery Support: Aid in nursery operations, including transplanting and general organization of plants.
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety guidelines and best practices at all times.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid MN Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Pursuing or completed coursework in natural resource management or a related field.
• Ability to identify and manage both native and invasive plants (training provided).
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Categories A & J) within 30 days of hire.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and engage in physically demanding work.
• Comfortable working in various weather conditions (rain, heat, cold).
• Ability to stand for extended periods, wade in water, and work outdoors for long hours.
• Experience or willingness to work around stinging insects (bees, wasps, etc.).
• Safely operate machinery and heavy equipment in outdoor environments.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: $18.00 – $20.00/hour, depending on experience.
• Overtime pay for extra hours worked.
• No weekend or overnight work. Enjoy a balanced work-life schedule!
• Weekly team gatherings and social hours to build camaraderie.
• Opportunity to obtain Pesticide Applicator Certification and Native & Invasive Plant Identification Certification.
• Potential for long-term employment after the seasonal term.

Work Hours:

• Full-time (40-50 hours/week) from April through October. Start and end dates are flexible based on availability.
• Potential for long-term employment opportunities for exceptional employees.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to job@naturalshore.com.

 Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

We look forward to learning more about you and your career aspirations!